Review by Stevee Davies.
From its highly successful original run at the National Theatre in October 2007, and its revival in September 2008 at the National, War Horse is now into its second successful year at the New London Theatre, and has taken the West-End by storm.
Originally intended for a limited season at the National, War Horse has proved to be a hit amongst theatre goers, and from beginning to end, you can see why.
Nick Stafford’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s 1982 novel has become a new kind of theatrical event for audiences that not only makes jaw’s drop, but creates a visually spectacular and moving experience.
With an incredible use of puppetry, movement, lighting and sound, War Horse leaves audiences spellbound every night…looking beyond this however, also lies a truly touching and hear-warming story.
Set in Devon in 1912, till the end of the First World War, the story revolves around Joey, a simple country horse who is bought at auction by Ted Narracott for his son Albert, who, from a foal, brings young Joey on into a magnificent specimen, a strong, beautiful horse. Joey is so admired that he is sold to the British Army for battle, (against Albert’s will), and we see Joey’s transition to a powerful War-Horse, and Albert’s personal mission to get Joey back.
A technical production on every level, Toby Sedgwick’s movement direction and horse choreography makes the cast and puppeteers work hard throughout, and each triumph with brilliant performances. Rae Smith’s design is superbly atmospheric, along with Adrian Sutton’s music providing the prefect backdrop for the story. The company work extremely well as an ensemble, but there are some wonderful individual performances that must be mentioned.
The vastly experienced Nigel Betts displays his great characteristic skills as both Arthur Narracott and Sergeant Thunder, and Andy Williams gives a strong performance as the reckless money driven Ted Narracott. But it is Zubin Varla (still widely recognized for his incredible performance as Judas in the 1996 production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Lyceum) who gives a true acting master class as German Officer Friedrich Muller. Varla commands the second act with an authority that oozes power and control, a truthful, and wonderful performance. Jacob Anderson as Albert Narracott (covering for the absent Matthew Aubrey) was unfortunately, at times, the weak link at this performance. His accent appeared to come and go throughout and at times seemed to lack some depth in his performance, despite this however, Anderson does nail all the dramatic moments with precision, and I defy anyone to say they were not holding back a few tears at the end…
War Horse will send you on an emotional journey in a way that many current West End productions will not…a smash hit production that has made its mark in London’s Theatre Land, and sure to be a hit when it reaches the Great White Way that is Broadway later this year…oh, and a Director by the name of Stephen Spielberg will be bringing War Horse to the big screen in 2011.
Make sure not to miss out on this theatrical masterpiece that is sure to be the talk of the West End for some time yet.
