War Horse review: Michael Morpurgo’s classic tale is brought to life by dazzling puppetry

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A star rating of 3 out of 5.

Many authors, including Roald Dahl, Jacqueline Wilson, Enid Blyton, and Anthony Horowitz, have sparked a passion for reading in British children. Michael Morpurgo is another author who has had this important impact.

Michael Morpurgo is known for his beautiful writing style, telling stories from a personal point of view, and often drawing on history and the lives of animals. His most famous work is probably ‘War Horse,’ a moving story about a horse’s experiences during World War I.

Although the book wasn’t very successful when it came out in 1982, Tom Morris, a director at the National Theatre, asked the author if he could turn it into a play. No one could have known how incredibly popular and influential that play would become.

War Horse was a massive hit at the National Theatre, and its success continued with an eight-year run in London’s West End, earning it two Olivier Awards. Since then, the show has travelled globally, winning numerous Tony Awards and captivating audiences worldwide. Now, this beloved production is back where it started: the National Theatre.

The play War Horse is famous for its innovative use of puppets, and it’s clear why when you watch it – the puppetry is truly remarkable.

The play uses many different puppets, including horses, birds like swifts and vultures, and a particularly impressive goose. But the main character, and the heart of the show, is Joey, the War Horse.

I was completely captivated by Joey during the performance! It’s incredible how Matthew Lawrence, Lewis McBean, and Felicity Donnelly brought him to life. He’s built from cane, yes, but the way they operated him, he felt just as present and vibrant as any of the other actors on that Olivier stage. It was truly magical.

This production is captivating, filled with powerful and moving moments, and truly showcases Joey the horse. Even though he doesn’t speak – instead, sections of the ‘War Horse’ book are narrated – we connect with his feelings and grow to love him through his incredible physical performance. It’s a remarkable demonstration of the Handspring Puppet Company’s skill and artistry, featuring everything from Joey’s subtle expressions to energetic displays like snorting, stamping, and tail-flicking.

The incredible puppetry, combined with smart set design and beautiful lighting, completely draws audiences into the world of War Horse. Adrian Sutton’s powerful and moving music further enhances the experience, creating a production that is both shocking, heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring.

The battle scenes are the most powerful and visually stunning parts of the production, thanks to a thrilling combination of puppetry, set design, lighting, and music.

Those familiar with the original story will find some differences in this adaptation. Some minor characters have been cut, and unfortunately, the part of Lieutenant Nicholls is smaller than before. The story also unfolds over a shorter period of time.

While Nick Stafford’s adaptation successfully conveys the heartfelt and understanding nature of Morpurgo’s story, it could be stronger. The script’s frequent repetition of characters’ names and key events disrupts the sense of realism, and abrupt shifts in the plot occasionally make the writing confusing.

The play gets noticeably better in the second act. The addition of more humor adds complexity to the story, particularly in scenes showing the close bonds between soldiers on the battlefield.

The actors are clearly working hard to capture the emotional power of Morpurgo’s story, but sometimes their performances become a bit over-the-top. They deliver most lines with a lot of emotion, which unfortunately overshadows the subtlety and beauty of the original tale.

Daniel Rock’s portrayal of Captain Stewart stands out, even though the character doesn’t have a large amount of screen time. He effectively conveys a wide spectrum of feelings, making a memorable impression.

Despite some issues with the script and performances, the production remains impressive thanks to its strong puppetry, set design, and music. It’s likely to be a four-star experience for children or those who loved the original book.

If you’re planning to see War Horse, we highly recommend getting good seats – it’s worth the extra cost! You really won’t want to miss seeing the incredible visuals from afar.

Please be advised that this show includes bright, flashing lights and unexpected loud sounds.

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Where and when can I see War Horse?

War Horse is running at the Olivier Theatre, which is part of the National Theatre on Southbank.

The play is currently running and will end on Thursday 30 July.

How to get War Horse tickets

You can currently find War Horse tickets on TodayTix and SeatPlan, and with current deals, prices start at just £30.

These offers let you save up to £37 on premium seats.

Authors

Joanna Magill

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2026-06-03 10:05