“That’s what I came all this way for, and I’m going to find him. Either I’ll find him, or he’ll find me. I told you, I made him a promise, and I’m going to keep it.”
From the calming fields of Devon to the hellish trenches of First World War France, War Horse is a play like no other.
I was invited to come and review War Horse at the Wales Millennium Centre and it’s a performance I will never forget. Having read the book as a child, I was familiar with Michael Morpurgo’s story and I’d heard great things about the show that took the world by storm but nothing could have prepared me for this unforgettable theatre experience.
The story follows a young boy, Albert portrayed by Tom Sturgess and his beloved horse Joey, who, at the outbreak of the First World War is sold to the cavalry and sent to France. Too young to enlist with him, Albert promises to one day find him. Both Albert and Joey’s treacherous journeys play out side by side as they hold out hope they’ll see each other again.
This show is a love letter to the art of puppetry. The Handspring Puppet Company are masters, having created astonishing life-sized horses. After a while you almost forget about the people controlling it.
The staging is minimal but powerful, allowing the puppetry and performances to take centre stage. Lighting and sound design work in tandem to shift us from pastoral calm to the chaos of war, with thunderous artillery and flickering lamplight evoking both fear and longing. The ensemble cast moves with precision and care, supporting the weight of Albert’s journey without ever overshadowing it.
Tom Sturgess brings a quiet determination to Albert, capturing the innocence of youth and the grit of someone forced to grow up too soon. But it’s Joey, and the team of puppeteers behind him, who truly steal the show. Every flick of the ear, every gallop, every moment of stillness is infused with life.
This isn’t just a story about a boy and his horse. It’s about loyalty, survival, and the bonds that carry us through the darkest times. This production delivers all of that with heart, craft, and unforgettable artistry.
War Horse will be at the Wales Millennium Centre until the 25th October and tickets are selling out fast so gets yours now!
You can find out more about the War Horse UK Tour on their website, Facebook and Instagram.
And keep up to date with everything going on at the Wales Millennium Centre on their website, Facebook and Instagram!
All photo credits to Brinkhoff/Moegenburg
