War Horse falls in at Festival Theatre

JOEY gallops back onto the stage of the Festival Theatre next week as Michael Morpurgo's award-winning tale War Horse returns to the Capital for the first time since its sell-out run in 2014.
War HorseWar Horse
War Horse

The acclaimed National Theatre production, back for a three week season, tells a remarkable story of courage, loyalty and friendship.

About a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, War Horse is set against the backdrop of the First World War.

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Joey has been requisitioned to fight for the English in World War I. Caught in enemy crossfire, he ends up serving on both sides before landing in no man’s land.

Albert meanwhile, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home.

A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship, War Horse features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing and galloping horses to life on stage.

Since premiering in 2007 War Horse has become the most successful play in the National Theatre’s history.

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Featuring ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, it has now been seen by more than seven million people worldwide.

Michael Morpurgo says, “After a few months rest, out at pasture, Joey, the War Horse and his great team from the National Theatre, are touring the UK again, straight through to 2019 and the centenary of the end of the First World War.

“I am so pleased this is happening; that so many more people will have the chance to enjoy this unique theatrical event. Steady boy, steady Joey. Trot on!”

In the new tour Thomas Dennis, who played Christopher Boone in the National Theatre’s West End production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, plays the central role of Albert Narracott and is joined by fellow Curious cast member Jo Castleton as his mother Rose Narracott.

And celebrated folk musician, Bob Fox, returns as Song Man.

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War Horse received its world premiere on 9 October 2007 at the National Theatre, where it played for two seasons before opening at the New London Theatre in March 2009.

War Horse has won 25 awards including the Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway.

War Horse, Festival, Nicolson Street, Wednesday 18 April-Saturday 12 May, 7.30pm (matinees 2.30pm), £18-£61, 0131-529 6000