War Horse

This was my fourth time seeing this show having previously seen the original production at the National Theatre, the transfer to the Gillian Lynne and a previous tour in Bristol. It is wonderful, heart warming (and heart breaking) story from Michael Morpurgo (adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford) directed by Tom Morris with revival director, Katie Henry which brings the hairs up on the back of my neck and tears to my eyes. Every. Time.

It is a real treat to watch a large cast operating completely as a team to deliver a powerful story. Supported with some beautiful songs and some amazing projections, we are transformed to the rolling Devon countryside and the horrors of the Somme. But it is the puppets from Handspring Puppet Company that really give this show its heart - within moments you forget the puppeteers and believe completely in the animals presented - which is why it gets straight through to your heart.

Although some of the effects of the original production had to be abandoned once it transferred from the Olivier (with its amazing split raise and revolve), this really does not affect the overall show - it remains a powerful, beautiful, emotional roller coaster of a ride. Thoroughly recommended.