The National Theatre of Great Britain’s acclaimed production of “War Horse” has made its US premiere on Broadway at Lincoln Center Theater. Based on the much-loved novel by Michael Morpurgo, this magnificent piece of theatre has been described as “…so exhilarating that it makes you rejoice to be alive… Its sheer skill and invention are simply awe-inspiring” by The Times of London. “War Horse” is a powerful and imaginative drama set at the outbreak of World War I in the English countryside and also the fields of battle in France and Germany.

“War Horse” tells the story of young Albert’s beloved horse, Joey, which has been sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. In a tale that the Sunday Express said is “…both epic and intimate,” and “absolutely guaranteed to move the heart,” Joey is caught in enemy crossfire and ends up serving both sides of the war before landing in no man’s land. Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home. What follows is a remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship.

“War Horse” is filled with stirring music and songs, and at the heart of the show are life-sized puppets which bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to life on stage. “The puppetry is nothing short of miraculous,” according to The Times of London.

“War Horse” premiered at the National Theatre in London in November 2007. It moved to London’s West End in March 2009, where it continues to play. “War Horse” is adapted by Nick Stafford, directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, and presented in association with Handspring Puppet Company.

Directors – Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris
Designer/Drawings – Rae Smith
Puppet Design and Fabrication – Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company
Lighting Designer – Paule Constable
Director of Movement and Horse Choreography – Toby Sedgwick
Puppetry Directors – Basil Jones & Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company
Animation & Projection Design – 59 Productions
Music – Adrian Sutton
Songmaker – John Tams
Sound Designer – Christopher Shutt*

Official Website

Official Website

Reviews

“FOUR STARS – His name is Joey, and he makes two of the most sensational stage entrances Broadway has ever seen.” – Bloomberg

“FOUR STARS – Storytelling at its most spectacular and transcendent.” – AM New York

“Theatrical magic” – The New York Times

“A dazzling theatrical achievement.” – Huffington Post

“Pure theatrical magic.” – Variety

“Emotionally stirring, visually arresting and compellingly told.” – Hollywood Reporter

“One of those rare shows that feels like a major event.” – Chicago Tribune

“Sweeping drama of extraordinary power. Its sheer skill and invention are simply awe-inspiring.”
The Times of London

“If ever a piece of theatre worked magic then it must be War Horse.”
Evening Standard of London

“An extraordinary piece of theatre… absolutely guaranteed to move the heart.”
Sunday Express of London

“FIVE STARS **** – Theatrical genius.”
Daily Telegraph

“FIVE STARS ***** – For its ability to feed and sustain the imagination, this production remains a theatrical thoroughbred. A uniquely moving spectacle.”
Daily Mail of London

“FIVE STARS ***** – An evening of huge emotional heft.’
Sunday Times of London

“FIVE STARS ***** – Simultaneously the most moving and spectacular play in London.”
Sunday Express of London