Review: WAR HORSE, National Theatre
Photo credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
There are plays that deserve to be revived over and over again; War Horse is certainly one of them. Almost two decades on from its first staging at the National’s Olivier theatre, this stunning adaptation of Michael Murpurgo’s wartime novel has returned home triumphant again.
Following the outbreak of World War I, young Albert’s beloved horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Too young to enlist, Albert refuses to forget him, setting off on an epic journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of war-torn France, determined to find Joey and bring him home.
Adapted for stage by Nick Stafford, in tandem with Katie Henry’s direction, it is a show that touches upon familiar themes; courage, friendship, loyalty and, above all, the futility of war. The close bond between Albert (played by Tom Sturgess) and Joey is palpable and will strike a chord with anyone who has ever loved or been loved by an animal.
Joey is portrayed by a masterful team of puppeteers. The grace with which they move around the vast thrust stage is subtle yet so precise, but when the horse is seen galloping or even charging, it is as if the audience is witnessing a real-life equine at full-pelt.
Adrian Kohler’s puppet design is striking, complemented by Rae Smith’s emotive set; minimalist at first glance but featuring a screen in the shape of the fragment of a torn page. In this, we see the best of nature and the worst of humanity reflected back toward us.
War Horse is undoubtedly a tearjerker and, 19 years on from its debut, is still leaving audiences emotionally exhausted by the end. The bond between Albert and Joey is deeply moving but its genius is in how it expands beyond that relationship.
Joey, and fellow cavalry horse Topthorn, meet many different men and women on their journey. Some treat them with respect and kindness, others less so. But it is those moments of hope, understanding and kinship that shine so brightly in this production.
As the war spirals, we see British and German troops working together for the common good and questioning what on earth all the bloodshed really is about. The mere presence of the horses - so serene and beautiful - is in stark contrast with the systematic killing and chaos of the war around. As German captain Freidrich Muller (Manuel Klein) says, “they are like children”.
War Horse is just as magical and inspiring as it ever was. Rightly, the focus of the piece is on the unique bond between man and beast but the play also delicately explores human connections within families and friends, thrown together by the worst of circumstances.
It is a play that - given the seemingly relentless news cycle of war, bloodshed and death - perhaps ought to be required viewing for all. Its anti-war message still runs deep and has arguably never been more relevant than today.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Tom Ambrose
War Horse plays at the National Theatre until 30 July, with further information here.
