War Horse Review: A Breathtaking Revival of a Modern Classic 🐎

This powerful production, first brought to the stage by the National Theatre, has returned to

The History Behind War Horse

War Horse is based on the much-loved novel by Michael Morpurgo and was adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford in association with the award-winning Handspring Puppet Company. The story is rooted in real history: during World War I, approximately 10 million people lost their lives in Europe between 1914 and 1918. Among the forgotten casualties were the animals—around one million horses were sent from Britain to France to support the war effort. Tragically, only 62,000 of those horses returned.

This harrowing context lays the foundation for a deeply emotional journey about war, loyalty, sacrifice, and love.

The Story

At its heart, War Horse is a deeply human story told through the extraordinary lens of a horse’s journey. It begins in rural Devon just before the outbreak of World War I, where a young boy named Albert Narracott forms a powerful bond with a spirited foal named Joey, won at auction by his father. As Albert raises and trains Joey, a friendship blossoms between boy and horse—one based on trust, patience, and unconditional love.

But when war erupts across Europe, their peaceful world is shattered. Albert’s father, desperate for money, sells Joey to the British Army without his son’s knowledge. From that point, the story fractures into two journeys—one of a horse navigating the brutality of war, and one of a boy determined to find him again.

Joey is thrust into the chaos of battle, ridden first by British cavalry, then captured and used by the German forces, passing hands across both sides of the war. Despite the terror and suffering around him, Joey remains strong, courageous, and remarkably resilient—a silent witness to the senselessness of violence. Along the way, he forms a powerful companionship with another horse, Topthorn, and their bond becomes a mirror to Albert and Joey’s, underscoring the universality of loyalty and connection even amidst horror.

Meanwhile, Albert, devastated by the loss of his beloved horse, enlists in the army despite being underage. What follows is a perilous, heart-rending journey across the war-torn landscapes of France. Through trenches, gas attacks, and loss, Albert clings to one hope—that he will be reunited with Joey.

What makes War Horse so powerful is its ability to weave historical fact with emotional truth. It doesn’t glorify war—it lays bare its cost. Yet within that, it finds moments of astonishing beauty and compassion: a soldier gently tending to an injured animal, or enemies working together in the no-man’s land to save a horse caught in barbed wire.

Through it all, the bond between Albert and Joey remains the story’s beating heart. It reminds us that love can endure, even in the bleakest of places—and that sometimes, the greatest acts of bravery aren’t grand gestures, but the simple act of holding on to hope.

Tom Sturgess as Albert Narracott

A standout performance came from Tom Sturgess, who portrayed Albert Narracott with such raw sincerity and conviction that it anchored the entire production. His transformation from a spirited farm boy to a young man hardened by war but driven by love was utterly compelling. Sturgess commands the stage with emotional depth and vulnerability, making Albert’s journey not just believable but unforgettable. His scenes, especially those of longing and determination, are among the most powerful in the show.

The Puppeteers: Breathing Life into Giants

The true stars of the show are, undeniably, the horses—Joey and Topthorn—and the extraordinary puppeteers who bring them to life. The life-sized puppets, crafted by the Handspring Puppet Company, are marvels of theatre engineering. Each horse is operated by three puppeteers who move as one, giving the illusion of muscle, breath, and emotion.

Joey (Adult):

• Head – Tom Quinn
• Heart – Lewis McBean
• Hind – Michael Larcombe

Topthorn:

• Head – Matthew Lawrence
• Heart – Rafe Young
• Hind – Felicity Donnelly

Joey (Foal):

• Head – Diany Samba-Bandza
• Heart – Jordan Paris
• Hind – Eloise Beaumont-Wood

Their coordination is flawless—each flick of the ears, twitch of the tail, or heavy sigh is performed with such sensitivity that the puppets seem to develop minds and hearts of their own. It’s nothing short of theatrical magic.

Direction and Revival Vision

Director Tom Morris and Revival Director Katie Henry have helmed this production with immense care and vision. Their approach respects the original gravitas of the play while injecting new vitality into every scene. Under their direction, the emotional pacing never falters, and the visual storytelling remains stunningly poetic throughout. They manage to strike a delicate balance—spectacle never overshadows heart, and history is never stripped of humanity.

A Fully Immersive World: Design, Atmosphere, and Emotion

From the moment the curtain rises, War Horse envelops its audience in a world that is both starkly beautiful and emotionally charged. The production’s design elements—set, lighting, costume, and sound—work in complete harmony to transport us across time and terrain, from the gentle pastures of Devon to the harrowing trenches of the Western Front.

The set design is minimalist but masterfully suggestive. With skeletal structures, projections, and sparse props, it evokes landscapes rather than replicates them—leaving space for the imagination to roam. A torn page-like screen above the stage serves as both a symbolic canvas and a storytelling device, flickering with sketched animations and handwritten maps that remind us of the human stories being lived and lost.

Lighting plays a central role in shaping the mood, using shadow and silhouette to stunning effect. Explosions of light mimic the blasts of artillery, while dim, golden glows capture moments of quiet reflection. The clever interplay between light and darkness underscores the emotional highs and lows, often leaving the audience breathless in its simplicity.

Costume design further anchors the piece in its historical period, offering a seamless blend of functionality and realism. The transition from the rustic woolens of Devon’s countryside to the mud-caked military uniforms of war is subtle but striking. Each thread tells its own story—of toil, survival, and time.

All of this is enriched by a hauntingly effective soundscape and musical composition. The sparse but powerful use of live folk singing weaves throughout the show like a thread of memory, adding cultural depth and emotional resonance. Sally Swanson’s soulful voice adds a haunting depth to War Horse, perfectly complementing its emotional journey. The sound design, from the distant thunder of horses’ hooves to the deafening silence after a battle, brings a visceral dimension to the production. Music here isn’t used to decorate—it breathes emotion into every corner of the stage.

Together, these elements do more than support the story—they become the story’s soul. They immerse the audience so completely that one almost forgets they're watching a play. Instead, it feels like living a piece of history through sight, sound, and feeling.

Final Thoughts

War Horse remains one of the most emotionally arresting and visually unique theatrical experiences you can have. With its stunning puppetry, evocative design, heart-wrenching performances (especially from Tom Sturgess), and thoughtful direction, this production at Milton Keynes Theatre is nothing short of breathtaking.

Whether you're discovering the story for the first time or returning to it after years like I did, don’t miss the chance to witness this masterpiece in its full live glory.

War Horse is playing at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, 3 May 2025, and with the production's limited run, tickets are flying fast. If you haven't yet experienced this extraordinary performance, now is the time to act. With such a powerful story, stunning puppetry, and unforgettable performances, you’ll want to be part of this theatrical event before it’s too late. Don’t wait—grab your tickets now and be ready to witness the magic, drama, and emotion that only War Horse can deliver.

For information: Age Guidance: 10+. WARNING: This production uses strobe lighting. Children must be accompanied by and sat next to an adult.