Culture writer Ella Goldwater reviews Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s production of War Horse, praising the show’s ground-breaking use of puppeteering and powerful emotional impact
Before experiencing Nick Stafford’s adaptation of War Horse, it seems near impossible that a bundle of sticks could bring you to tears. But the production does just that, pulling on audience’s heartstrings as it explores the journey of the unlikely protagonist, a beautifully puppeteered horse, Joey. So artfully designed and detailed are the puppets that it is easy to forget that the stage is not dominated by real, tamed horses. This adventurous piece of theatre stands apart from other productions of today, re-inventing the stereotypically comical and abstract role of puppets throughout history.
“The play leaves a deep impression on audiences long after its viewing
Adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel, War Horse, the production spans the years before and during the First World War. The play introduces Albert, a gentle-hearted farm boy who, whilst navigating struggles at home, develops a deeply emotional connection with his farm horse, Joey. The two are separated to fight on the frontlines of the war in France and so begins Albert’s unyielding journey to reunite with Joey, weaving conflicting German and British storylines to reveal the commonalities in the experiences of all humans, stemming from love and a desire for peace and home.
The play is cast to perfection, with special praise for Tom Sturgess, who plays Albert with remarkable youthfulness, spirit and empathy, and the huge team commandeering the range of puppets. The powerful emotion generated by the non-verbal, animal characters can be accredited to the team’s masterful ability to portray the creatures’ body languages, articulating fine movements that often speak louder than words. The puppets’ anatomical designs are a marvel in themselves, allowing for an astonishingly lifelike range of movement, from the casual flick of a horse’s tail to its powerful, energetic canter. However, the production left room for deeper development of Albert’s character, especially during the critical moment in which he decides to enrol in the army. Aside from the rapidity of this decision, the pacing of the play was relaxed, allowing audiences to appreciate the production’s visual beauty and connect deeply with each character. At times during the war scenes the action felt a little slow and repetitive, yet this enhanced questions about the futility of war and violence. The writing, realistic and emotional, maintained a balance between wit and solemnity, incorporating subtle inuendoes that enhance the play’s appeal for adults while still captivating younger audiences.
“cast to perfection
The simultaneous simplicity and artistry of the lighting and set are also worth noting. The stage itself remains mostly bare, making way for hand-held props that set the wartime scene. Throughout the play, animated charcoal-drawn projections light a cloud-shaped screen above the stage, drawing a minimalist picture of the landscape and movements occurring within it that does not steer attention from the puppetry and acting occurring below. The play is accompanied by a simple soundtrack incorporating lilting country ballads performed live by the talented singer and accordionist Sally Swanson, the rawness of the music elevating the emotionality of scenes and reinforcing images of the English countryside within foreign French territory.
“So artfully designed and detailed are the puppets that it is easy to forget that the stage is not dominated by real, tamed horses
The play leaves a deep impression on audiences long after its viewing, acknowledging the futility of conflict and the collective human desire for connection and love. One particularly touching scene highlights how military opposition is overpowered by the discovery of common ground between enemies, in this case feelings of empathy towards a suffering animal. The importance of conversation in the pursuit of peace feels increasingly relevant today, as stories of war no longer echo the past but tap into the present. Morpurgo and Stafford approach such topics touchingly and sensitively, employing spectacular puppets to reframe familiar stories of war in a fresh light. Overall, the National Theatre’s War Horse, now touring the UK, is not to be missed!
Rating: 5/5
War Horse runs at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until the 22nd of March 2025. Book your tickets here.
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