WOW! A deeply moving and visually stunning show!
Last night’s (22/04) performance of War Horse at the Milton Keynes Theatre was nothing short of extraordinary — a masterclass in theatrical storytelling that left me deeply moved and thoroughly captivated. I have never seen a show like this, I was speechless! Absolutely incredible. The puppetry, the emotion, the storytelling – everything was next level.
For this 2024-2025 UK and Irland Tour, Director Tom Morris and Revival Director Katie Henry have brought a fresh vitality and emotional resonance to the stage. From the first beat, the production swept the audience into the world of young Albert (played by Tom Sturgess) and his loyal horse Joey, set against the tragic backdrop of the First World War.
Bring your tissues! Although the story is deeply emotional and often quite intense, what stood out to me was how the clever use of humour in certain moments brought a refreshing balance to the play. These lighter scenes not only provided relief from the tension but also made the characters feel more human and relatable, enhancing the overall impact of the performance.
At the heart of War Horse lies the phenomenal work of the Handspring Puppet Company, whose life-size horse puppets (yes life-sized!) remain as astonishing as ever. Joey in particular was a revelation — brought to life with soul and spirit by the talented trio of Tom Quinn (Head), Lewis McBean (Heart), and Michael Larcombe (Hind). Their synchronicity, sympathy, and sheer physical commitment made Joey feel not only real but deeply relatable. Every snort, ear flick, and gallop were so realistic. It was honestly the most stunning piece of work I have ever seen on stage!
Topthorn, another standout horse character, was equally impressive, animated with commanding presence by Matthew Lawrence (Head), Chris Milford (Heart), and Felicity Donnelly (Hind). The scenes between Joey and Topthorn were emotionally charged and very powerful! A testament to the emotional depth puppetry can achieve in the right hands.
Joey’s earlier life as a foal was beautifully portrayed by Eloise Beaumont-Wood (Head) , Owen Dagnall (Heart), and Jordan Paris (Hind), capturing the innocence and early bond that sets the story in motion.
The human cast were just as compelling. The actor portraying Albert (played by Tom Sturgess ) delivered a heartfelt and authentic performance that served as the emotional anchor of the show. His journey from hopeful youth to determined young man was portrayed with depth and tenderness, making his bond with Joey even more emotional.
Visually, the production looked incredible. The lights and stage design smoothly shifted from the calm countryside of Devon to the violent scenes of war in Europe. The battle scenes were shown in a clever and powerful way. The folk-style music and live performances added strong emotions, especially during the most important parts of the show. As always, I do not like to give too much away. This is a must-see show!
War Horse is more than a play — it’s an immersive experience that showcases the very best of theatre. If you haven’t seen War Horse yet, this tour is your chance. Don’t hesitate. It’s a triumph!
This performance is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 3rd May 2025. Tickets are available from £29.00 (+ £3.95 transaction fee), General bookings: 0844 871 7615, Access bookings:0333 009 5399, Group bookings:0207 206 1174 or online.
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