War Horse is a theatrical phenomenon. Adapted by Nick Stafford from Michael Morpurgo’s book, it comes to Southampton’s Mayflower theatre this October. Re-telling a tale of enduring friendship, that encompasses military genocide across The Great War on both sides and depicts bravery unmatched in the field of human endeavour. In a feat of theatrical zeal that forms the backbone of this touring production, South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company breathes life into battle ready thoroughbreds, providing War Horse with its beating heart. From foal to fully grown over the course of this engrossing production, twelve inspiring puppeteers add emotional depth to these unique animals, as audiences are transported back in time to World War I.
Working hand in hand with a strong ensemble cast that runs well into double digits, these phenomenal creations bring this universal story of enduring fortitude to life effortlessly. Over the course of several hours, War Horse transports a captive audience from UK shores over the sea to France, where two countries are busy ripping each other to pieces. Casualties on both sides leave the living to walk over their fallen comrades into machine gun fire. Ungainly artillery weapons are dragged into position by heavy horses across waterlogged grassland. Neither side prepared to back down or admit defeat for fear of losing face, despite the obvious atrocities being perpetrated in the name of peace.
This is the emotional rollercoaster that Nick Stafford sets up, finding an unexpected optimism amongst the carnage of a brutal moment in history. For King and country, Albert Narracott (Tom Sturgess) enlists soon after his horse Joey is solid to the army and audiences get to experience both stories running in parallel. The trick that this production pulls off in the opening 5 minutes is making people believe Joey lives and breathes. Every swish of his tail, every twitch of an ear, conveys mood and emotion without ever dropping the ball. It becomes hypnotic and absolutely absorbing in a truly shared sense of the word. Despite the fact that 3 puppeteers are manipulating every movement, their presence is never felt, and Joey becomes so riveting that his curtain call at the conclusion becomes cause for celebration.
Until people see War Horse for themselves, they will be dismissive of the notion that puppetry is capable of making such an impact. The uninitiated are liable to mock or simply nod and smile. However, take it from someone who went in blind, but carried with them all the hype that this production had already evoked. When the lights go down and Joey first steps on stage, prepare to become a convert, because there is nothing else like this anywhere.
War Horse is running at The Mayflower, Southampton, from 14 –19 October.