Skip to content
Shows
Menu

War Horse

2026 Olivier Theatre

National Theatre Handspring Puppet Company
War Horse poster Poster artwork

At the outbreak of the First World War, young Albert’s beloved horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Too young to enlist, Albert refuses to forget him, embarking on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of wartime France – determined to bring Joey home. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, War Horse is a timeless story of love, courage and friendship, brought to life by astonishing life-sized horses from Handspring Puppet Company and a stirring musical score. Following a sell-out national tour, the Tony® Award–winning global sensation returns to where it all began, nearly two decades after its debut at the National Theatre.

Works War Horse
Visit official site

Production material

Videos

2 videos

Trailer

Teaser Trailer

Production photos

12 images

A young man gently touches the face of a life-sized horse puppet made of brown materials, with a puppeteer partly visible behind it. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
A large group of actors in period costumes stand on stage under dramatic lighting, with a torn backdrop depicting old city buildings behind them. Two puppeteers man a small horse puppet. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
A group of men in historical military uniforms stand on stage, with one man in the foreground looking serious under dramatic lighting. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Stage actors perform with two large, realistic horse puppets in an outdoor scene backdrop, with dramatic lighting and expressive poses. A young woman is riding on top of one of the horse puppets. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Three actors on stage control a horse puppet; one actor sits on the ground whistling using cupped hands. A rural landscape is projected in the background. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Actors on stage manipulate two large horse puppets, portraying soldiers and horses in a dramatic war scene with a battlefield backdrop. Two actors ride on top of the horses with swords drawn. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Show all 12 production photos
A group of performers with rifles silhouetted on stage, dramatic lighting and a backdrop showing silhouettes of soldiers, enacting a wartime scene. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
An older woman in period costume stands on stage, whilst an actor in the background walks a goose puppet on wheels. A wooden door and hanging window frame are visible. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Two men in period costumes talk on stage, holding hats, with a group of performers and a horse puppet behind them in front of a painted city backdrop. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
A young woman in a dress extends her hand to a large, life-sized horse puppet operated by people in costume on a dimly lit stage. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
A young actor kneeling, shows a large sketchbook to a woman in a earthy-toned apron and shawl. Two other actors stand either side watching them. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Actors operate two life-sized horse puppets on stage under dramatic blue lighting, with a backdrop depicting a scenic landscape. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

Rehearsal photos

13 images

Actors rehearse with a large, black, horse puppet on stage; one person rides it as others operate and guide the puppet, whilst others observe or gesture nearby. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
A man kneels and interacts tenderly with a large, realistic horse puppet operated by another person, whilst several people watch in the background. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
A woman in a checked shirt looks worried as she talks to a young man in a white shirt; several people are blurred in the background of a large indoor space. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Actors rehearse in a studio; one with a large horse puppet, while others stand or gesture around the room, with notes and coats on the wall in the background. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
A man in a vintage military uniform stands in the foreground; behind him, people rehearse in a spacious room with musical instruments and scattered props. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Actors rehearse with life-sized horse puppets; two men in front salute while others operate or stand near the puppets in a spacious rehearsal room. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Show all 13 rehearsal photos
Two men rehearse, one pulls a prop swan on wheels while the other, wearing a waistcoat, lifts his leg dramatically as if reacting to the swan. A bicycle and door sit in the background. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Two men talk in front of a large horse puppet, with another man sitting on the puppet. The setting appears to be a rehearsal space or backstage area. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
A group of people rehearses with a large horse puppet in a spacious studio, with one person pulling a rope in front. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Three women sit on the floor with papers, laptops, and folders, engaged in discussion; equipment and cables are visible in the background. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Three people operate a large, rearing horse puppet made of metal and fabric inside a spacious, industrial indoor setting. Military helmets and uniforms are displayed in the background. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Several people rehearse with a large, lifelike horse puppet in a studio; one person is dressed as a soldier and others help operate the puppet. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
An actor in a soldier’s uniform holds a clipboard on stage, whilst others rehearse with a large horse puppet and props in the background. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

Cast and creatives

68 credits

Cast

Creative team

Connected productions

2026 The Misanthrope Lyttelton Theatre
2026 Pride Dorfman Theatre
2026 Hadestown Lyric Theatre