Tom Sturgess & Joey, War Horse UK and Ireland Tour, 2024/5
War Horse, The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.
When Michael Morpurgo – the writer of the novel on which it was based – heard they were going to turn it into a stage play he thought “they must be mad”. It turned out to be brilliant ‘moment of madness’ however because it was a stroke of genius. The play was a huge success and still is. The original National Theatre production opened in 2007 and went on to a seven year West End run which was met with critical acclaim and multiple awards. It also had a two year run on Broadway which again was met with critical acclaim and multiple awards – including five Tonys. It has gone on to worldwide productions and tours and this is it’s current UK tour.
The story centres around Narracott family in Devon. Ted is a farmer (and also a drunk) who gets into a bidding war with his brother for a foal at an auction. He wins the auction but at an extortionate price, using the mortgage money for the farm. His wife Rose fears they will lose the farm but their son Albert promises to raise the foal and train it to be a work horse so they can sell it. Albert immediately forms a bond with the foal and names him Joey. The scenes between the two are so moving and we watch Joey go from strength to strength and eventually become the work horse Albert promised he would be. However, war is looming and Joey ends up going to war – hence the title – to serve alongside our men. Albert (now a young man) can’t bear the thought of losing him so sets off to find him by going to war himself.
Now of course the main star of the show is equine, and you can hardly have a real horse on stage. What we have here however is almost the real thing. A life-size puppet which is operated by three puppeteers. The effect is astonishing. You feel like you are watching a real horse and so much skill has gone into both making the puppet and operating it. There isn’t just one puppet, we have Joey as a foal, multiple other horses, and multiple birds – including a wonderful scene-stealing goose! They’re mesmerising to watch.
Projection is used very effectively with beautiful sketch-like drawings of locations, and animated segments to enhance the action on stage. There is also music with stirring folk songs which suit the piece perfectly (beautifully sung by Sally Swanson).
A huge cast bring this show to life, all of which are wonderful with perfectly pitched performances. There are really lovely performances from Tom Sturgess as Albert and Jo Castleton as his mother Rose. However the stars of the show are the puppets and a special mention should go to the talented puppeteers that bring them so brilliantly to life.
Director Tom Morris and revival director Katie Henry have created something very special here. It deserves all the acclaim. Just stunning theatre.
The story may be about a horse (a very special one) but it’s also about the horrors of the first world war, and there are very powerful scenes and imagery that stay with you long after the show.
A very stirring and moving show with so much to look at and take in that you simply sit there in awe. Some sections are so powerful it’s breathtaking.
An absolutely must-see show. Unmissable.
5 stars. Outstanding isn’t strong enough a word.
