Based on the 1982 children’s story by Michael Morgurgo’s, War Horse tells of Joey, a farm horse who is sold to the cavalry during the first World War. His adventure sees him fight on both sides before he eventually finds himself alone in no man’s land. Albert, his young owner, is unable and unwilling to forget his beloved horse and too young to join up, embarks on a lonely and perilous mission to find his horse and bring him home.

Adapted by playwright Nick Stafford, the stage adaptation of War Horse made its premiere at the National Theatre in October 2007. A success beyond eneryone’s expectations, its sellout status was bolstered by ecstatic reviews in which every aspect of the production was acclaimed. Dramatic and atmospheric, War Horse was also notably unique for its ingenious use of life size puppets created and operated by the South African puppet company Handspring. Due to unprecedented public demand, War Horse returned to the National by to repeat its triumph in September 2008.

The hotly anticipated West End transfer comes directly from this second wave of success at the National and signals the start of a deservedly long London residency.

Reviews of the National Theatre production

• The Telegraph
• The Guardian
• The Independent
• The Times