THEATRE REVIEW: War Horse
- Posted on October 11, 2007 3:07 PM
- 10 comments
War Horse
The National Theatre
Oliver Theatre
Directors: Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris
Please note: this review was written before the production's official press night.
- Review by Katie Spain
Some theatrical experiences leave you breathless, gasping and wishing the interval would hurry up and let you back in for the second ‘coming’. War Horse is one of them.
I was never allowed a horse. We lived on a farm, surrounded by 2,500 cows and yet, the beautiful horsy beasts scared 'Farmer Dad'. Maybe if he'd seen War Horse he’d have changed his mind and seen the beautiful form (and nature) beneath the mane. It’s too late my horse dream now, but for one magical night at the National Theatre, people can immerse themselves in a dream of another variety; The story of a young man and his faithful four legged companion takes us on a journey through poverty, loneliness and war.
War Horse is no fairy tale and is also not for the faint hearted. The new production is based on the gripping World War One novel by Michael Morpurgo. The play, adapted by Nick Stafford, tells the story of young Englishman Albert who loses his beloved horse Joey to the cavalry. Unable to live without his friend, Albert heads to the war – straight into the firing line. The war scenes are gut wrenching, and the suffering of man and beast intense.
The audience tonight is a mixed one. The old and the young mix in the comfortable surroundings of the Olivier Theatre. There really isn't a bad seat in the house. Before us, the magnificent stage with its rotating centre is the blank canvas upon which actors bring elaborate life-sized puppets to life. You’ve got to hand it to the Handspring Puppet Company – they are masters of their craft. Horses whinny, flex, canter and display all the characteristics of the real thing. Not since Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake have I seen such complete immersion into a species’ mannerisms. Man and machine blend perfectly. This is the grown up version of the childhood dream where puppets come to life when the lights go out. Special mention must go to 'Goose Man'.
I am stunned. The audience is stunned with me.
The actors’ stamina is impressive. They sing their way through Irish ditties and act their hearts out during the evening’s show. I can fault no one. Sometimes, reviews flow freely through fault picking alone. Tonight, there are none. This is the result of several years of development, and months of rehearsal. Extreme physical and emotional effort goes in – not a sign of strain comes out.
I wasn’t alive during The First World War but the horror and futility is clear. As the tools of horror and violence evolve, the animal's pain does too. The view of war from the horses’ eyes goes beyond the guns, the barbed wire and the tanks and straight into the loyal hearts of the cavalry. The bravery of men and their horses in the snarling face of danger is something we should never forget. A play such as this one keeps their memory alive.
A large white screen cuts its way across the rear of the stage. An open wound? A ripped page? Or maybe it’s just a clever base on which to project the silhouette of changing scenery. There’s no real blood and guts but elaborate lighting and sound cause more unrest than any amount of fake red goo could muster.
Spell-binding, magical… this is by far the best show of the year. My eyes leak genuine tears as the three hour spectacle draws to an end and the audience rises from to their feet to applaud the cast and their puppets. As corny as it sounds, for three hours they are alive in our hearts. It will be a sad day when they hang up the creatures for the last time… until then, make sure you see this epic play come life.
Photographer: Simon Annand
Tags
review, the national theatre, War Horse
Comments (10)
Max
I REALLY reccomend you go and see this. They had a Facebook group deal (look up The National Theatre) in Facebook Groups - it's great.
Make sure you get a programme afterwards... it's like a novel (compared to other West End advertising scams) and if full of really interesting stories, background info and pic. Wonderful. Their Wasabi nuts at the bar are worth shelling out for too. :)
Posted on October 12, 2007 1:02 PM
Phil
Having seen His Dark Materials and knowing what the National are capable of I already had high hopes for War Horse.
I must admit I was staggered by the three hours of sheer theatrcial magic. Puppets, Actors, Projection, Music and Song all combined to perfection. Have to say that I openly wept at the end and the audience cheers and standing ovation confirmed that the National has a hit on its hand for the Winter.
Plus Katie is right...Goose man has some scene stealers !
Posted on October 12, 2007 1:39 PM
Adam Walker
I went to see this on Wednesday. I am fortunate enough to see a lot of what London has to offer on the arts scene, but this by far is the best theatrical experience of the year. Utterly compelling, and fantastically staged. The puppets are a revelation; they are so realistic that it was truly like watching real horses on stage. The drama is better than any film can portray; the actors (particularly Albert) perform with such passion and conviction.
And the Olivier Theatre is the best in town.
Do you need any more reasons to go see this?
Posted on October 12, 2007 3:13 PM
Jessica
I am only 14 but we came to see this with our drama group, and it was brilliant. The way the horses were used were amazing and it looked so realistic. This was very moving and it was a great performance.
Worth watching.
Posted on November 9, 2007 9:30 PM
Bob The Builder
I think that the play could have been better. But i think that the best charecter without a doubt was the goose. standing obation for the goose. animal farm here he comes.
Posted on January 24, 2008 12:16 PM
Ken
Thanks to everyone who worked so creatively on this unusual and emotional masterpiece. It was one of my most enjoyable nights at the theatre. Congratulations especially to the puppetiers whose skill breathed life into every one of the six horses. A wonderful experience. Please extend the show.
Posted on January 27, 2008 10:08 PM
Jade
i went with my school to see it and its just truely fab and i pratically forgot there were people inside those puppets just truely amazing!
Posted on February 11, 2008 1:14 PM
nick
hi jade i went with jade because i felt that it was a spectacular performance dont you think my love?
Posted on March 3, 2008 11:53 PM
vimmi
havn't seen the play but have read the book. And how could it not be great. A fantastic book, but the skill involved to turn it it into a show is unreal. I am drama teacher i would love to be part of someting extravigant as this. Maybe Private Peaceful also Micheal Morpurgo would be a good and very Poignant one to do.
Posted on March 29, 2008 11:31 AM
Meredith
I was amazed with the puppetry in this play, it made me cry not once but three times! It was such a moving performance i am going back this year and taking my horsey mate with me! It is a MUST see for all espically horse lovers - though be warned to be upset!
Posted on June 9, 2008 8:42 PM
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