Theatre: War Horse gallops onto the stage next year

War Horse
Adapted by Nick Stafford’s from the book War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris
ASB Theatre, The Edge
August / September 2013

At the media launch of War Horse last week the animal at the centre of the play trotted around Aotea Square, with onlookers delighted at seeing it in that environment and then stunned to discover it was a full-sized puppet.

The intricately designed horse has even won a Special Tony Award for The Handspring Puppet Company which created it.

The National Theatre of Great Britain and Global Creatures are bringing the multiple Tony and Olivier Award-winning theatrical production to New Zealand next year.

The play has been applauded by international critics and audiences and will premiere in New Zealand on August 20 next year at Auckland’s ASB Theatre for a four-week season.

Mayor Len Brown acknowledged the importance of such touring shows, which increase the cultural vibrancy of the city.

“I’m delighted that we have secured yet another hit stage play for Auckland. Productions like War Horse – winning, as it has, multiple awards on Broadway and in the West End – can only add to Auckland’s reputation as an exciting destination and fuel our visitor economy.

"Hosting major entertainment events like this stimulate domestic tourism and adds to Auckland’s vibrancy. They play a major role in making Auckland the world’s most liveable city.”

Since the 2007 world premiere in London, War Horse has accumulated numerous prestigious honours, including two Laurence Olivier Awards, five Tony Awards and four Outer Critics’ Circle Awards, among a host of others.

Global Creatures ceo Carmen Pavlovic says “the Anzac spirit is deeply entrenched in the Australian and New Zealand ethos. We expect War Horse to have a great resonance in both countries, not only because of our connection to World War I but because themes of the land, loss and the ultimate triumph of friendship have a special place in the public’s psyche.

"We are proud to be bringing this highly acclaimed show to Australasia in a co-production with the National Theatre.”

Magnificent drama

Nick Stafford’s stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s book is a magnificent drama which tells the heart-wrenching story of Joey, the horse of young lad Albert, which is sold to the cavalry at the outbreak of World War I and shipped to France.

He is soon caught up in enemy fire and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land.

But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a dangerous mission to find his horse and bring him home.

At its heart are astonishing puppets strong enough for men to ride, created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to life on the stage.

Life-size animals traverse the stage, their flanks, hides and sinews built of steel, leather and aircraft cables. Actors, working with these dynamic puppets, will lead New Zealand audiences on an emotionally-charged journey through history.

“War Horse is a life-affirming story about friendship, courage and family which appeals to all ages. This is a production that brings the family together," National Theatre of Great Britain producer Chris Harper says.

"We get people coming back again and again, and they always have the same reaction. It awakens something in you.” 

War Horse has played to packed houses at London’s National Theatre, the West End’s New London Theatre and New York’s Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center. A further production opened in Toronto, Canada, in February 2012, while a US tour started in June 2012.

Steven Spielberg’s movie adaptation of the novel, released by DreamWorks Studios in late 2011, was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.