War Horse

The National Theatre's latest epic is based on the celebrated novel by the Children's Laureate (2003-05) Michael Morpurgo. Actors working with magnificent, life-sized puppets by the internationally renowned Handspring Puppet Company lead the audience on a gripping journey through history.

In case you don't know the story: at the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. He's 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 treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

The History and Drama departments arranged for all of Year 9 to see this inspirational and gripping production. Shikha Pabari, Year 9, comments: The production was a poignant and effective display of animals in the war. We often overlook what they went through and this play was instrumental in helping us to understand their suffering. Our detailed study of the First World War greatly contributed to our appreciation of War Horse.

Click here for Shikha’s full report.