This isn’t a sponsored post.
BrumHour saw War Horse at the invite of Wolverhampton Grand.
By David Fox x.com/DavidFoxTheatre
War Horse at Wolverhampton Grand: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”Emotional, breathtaking, and unforgettable”
Directed by Tom Morris and Katie Henry (Revival Director).
A Tale of Unyielding Bond and Bravery.
The National Theatre’s production of War Horse has galloped into Wolverhampton Grand, offering audiences an unforgettable theatrical experience. This adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel, which has captivated millions worldwide, continues to resonate deeply, blending innovative puppetry, evocative storytelling, amazing sets and special effects, and a poignant score.
Set against the backdrop of World War I, War Horse chronicles the profound bond between young Albert Narracott and his horse, Joey. Their journey from the serene fields of Devon to the tumultuous trenches of France is a testament to loyalty and courage amidst the ravages of war. Albert’s relentless quest to reunite with Joey, who has been sold to the cavalry, forms the emotional core of the narrative.
The true marvel of this production lies in the groundbreaking puppetry by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company. Joey, alongside other equine characters like Topthorn, is brought to life with such authenticity that the puppeteers seemingly vanish, leaving the audience entranced by the lifelike movements and expressions of these majestic creatures. Every twitch of the tail, breath, and gallop is rendered with meticulous precision, making it easy to forget that these are not real horses gracing the stage. While there are many talented actors and puppeteers in this production, credit must be given to the main operators of Joey, Tom Quinn (Head), Lewis McBean (Heart), and Michael Larcombe (Hind). Also – look out for the goose!
War Horse has a really impressive ensemble cast (I don’t think I have seen a show with such a large cast), with actors taking on many roles. . The ensemble cast adeptly transitions between various roles, depicting soldiers, villagers, and family members, each adding layers to the story. At its heart Tom Sturgess delivers a heartfelt portrayal of Albert, capturing the innocence and determination of youth. His interactions with Joey are genuine and moving, anchoring the production’s emotional depth. The story is narrated to a degree through folk melodies, beautifully sung by Sally Swanson leaving some emotional and poignant moments.
The production’s design is both minimalist and evocative. A jagged projection screen, reminiscent of a torn sketchbook, serves as the backdrop, displaying beautiful ‘hand-drawn’ animations that depict scenes that transition from the pastoral beauty of Devon to the grim realities of the battlefield. This design choice underscores the stark contrasts of war and peace, innocence and loss.
Some amazing set pieces are achieved through clever use of lighting, shadow, smoke, animation, and slow motion. The arrival and the adult Joey, the charge at the Battle of the Somme, Joey facing off against a tank, and a poignant act of remembrance showing poppies on the battlefield are all images that were etched into my mind – and may take some time to fade.
Adrian Sutton’s stirring score enriches the narrative, with the music seamlessly weaving through the story, amplifying moments of tension, hope, and sorrow, and immersing the audience further into the world of Albert and Joey.
War Horse at the Wolverhampton Grand is a testament to the power of storytelling and theatrical innovation. It offers a poignant reminder of the bonds that sustain us through adversity and the enduring spirit of hope.
Emotional, breathtaking, and unforgettable: this production is a classic of modern theatre, a landmark production, and a genuine must-see theatrical event, leaving an indelible mark on all who watch it. Catch it while you can: War Horse is at Wolverhampton Grand until 22nd March 2025. Book tickets here: grandtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/war-horse.
