THE brilliant and award-winning National Theatre production of War Horse, adapted from Michael Morporgo’s novel, was a massive hit at the National, in the West End, on Broadway and around the world. Now a new production of this beautiful and deeply moving story is on a national tour,  at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre until 19th October, and at Plymouth Theatre Royal, from 26th November to 7th December.

War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. Powerfully emotional and stunningly imaginative, the drama is filled with stirring music and songs.

It is a celebration of phenomenal theatrical inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized horses created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage.

At the outbreak of the First World War, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in No Man’s Land. Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find Joey and bring him home.

The tour returns to the West Country next year, and will be on stage at Bristol Hippodrome from 3rd to 21st June.

Picture credit Brinkhoff-Moegenburg