New Wimbledon Theatre – until Saturday 16th August 2025
Reviewed by Carly B
5*****
New Wimbledon brings you War Horse– a production, directed by Tom Morris with revival director Katie Henry, that has already met such success and popularity and for good reason too. The play is based on the wonderful book by Michael Morpurgo, where ultimately the magic of the show started. The story itself is incredibly emotional and moving, set during World War One while following the journey of young Albert (Tom Sturgess) and Joey (Rianna Ash, Chris Milford and Samuel Parker)- Albert’s cherished horse. However, when Joey is sold to the army, Albert is left completely heartbroken yet vows to unite with Joey once again. The tale that unfurls is both haunting and heartwarming, a testament of love, resilience and loyalty in the most brutal of circumstances.
The thing that sets War Horse apart from all other productions is certainly the puppetry. The life-sized horse puppets made and created by the excellent Handspring Puppet Company are truly awe-striking, remarkable and simply extraordinary. Despite the puppeteers being visible throughout the show, there’s no doubt that they are brought to life, as if they are truly horses, in the flesh and blood. This not only elevates the production but also creates a greater depth to the performance, allowing the audience to fully delve deep into the story and take on all the emotions laid out to us on stage.
Even with the play’s sentimentality, the show doesn’t try to cover up the horrors of war, while there is still sensitivity to the subject it doesn’t shy away from the brutality of conflict, simultaneously handled in a way that feels respectful. It’s not too graphic however it does not sugar-coat the topic either- a phenomenal balance that is not easily perfected.
Juxtaposing some of the more sensitive topics are the tender moments of the play- many of them being between the two horses, Joey and Topthorn (Tom Quinn, Michael Jean-Marian and Michael Larcombe). The way in which the two horses’ bond is both soul-stirring and sentimental, once again all puppeteers bring the horses to life along with the connection they have. The play is proof of the capability and potentiality of puppetry within theatre! it’s a true wonder how a group of people and a few pieces of material put together can create the illusion of a magnificent creature.
I can confidently say that War Horse is a compelling piece of fantastic theatre that left not only me but everyone else in utter awe and left many teary eyed as well. Without a doubt a must-see, whether you regularly go to the theatre or not. It’s a production that emits the power of theatre and how it is able to transport us, move us and leave us with our minds wandering long after the final curtain closes.