Review: War Horse - Norwich Theatre (28.10.2025)

Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo of the same name, War Horse tells the story of farm boy Albert (Tom Sturges), whose father in a drunken state bids on a foal at an auction. We follow the foal, Joey, and Albert as they grow up, and inevitably both end up going (sadly not together) to war around 1915.

This is a brilliant example of an ensemble piece, with its many characters and locations. It flows seamlessly from scene to scene with minimal elements used to create settings, from farm paddocks to no man’s land. Part of the show's storytelling power is in its simplicity. Accompanied by a large sheet of torn paper spanning the whole stage, with projected, beautifully drawn illustrations and animations to enhance the settings, I was very much in for the ride (pun intended) from the production design alone.

There is no other way to describe it but the puppetry is absolutely magic. Within seconds, you stop seeing the puppeteer and only see the animals, and it shines with detailed observations of animal behaviour, making each team absolute wizards in my eyes. From a horse's ear twitch to a stubborn goose, the animals' personalities came through in the performances. (Fun fact: there are thirteen puppeteers that play Joey and Topthorn in rotation at different performances.)

Image courtesy of Norwich Theatre

A character at one point refers to the horses like children, which I think is an interesting comparison of innocence and maybe explains why we are so invested in Joey's survival. Our relationship and ability to empathise with animals supports the emotional impact of the play - a protagonist that cannot verbalise but speaks volumes by holding the heart of the piece.

Special mention for the beautiful vocals by The Singer (Sally Swanson), whose crystal-clear voice was never pushed or over-performed. It really heightened impactful moments of joy, fear, and grief from the senseless war.

Sturges was the perfect Albert, with his unfaltering love for Joey. At all costs, we as the audience fully invest in his mission to find his horse, much to the mocking of his comrades; it was a brilliant performance.

I have run out of superlatives. I was lost in the story and it was a stunning evening. If you are lucky enough to have got a ticket for this sell-out run, make sure you take tissues. War Horse continues at Norwich Theatre until 8 November.