Review: War Horse at The Lowry is ‘awe-inspiring and incredibly moving’

The National Theatre’s production of War Horse began life at the South Bank and has since transferred to the West End.

It has been on many tours, playing at huge venues, wowing audiences with puppetry that focuses on the intricate details of how an animal thinks and moves.

Albert Narracott (played with a real desire for change by Tom Sturgess) is a young lad who wants more than what life has dealt him.

His dad drinks heavily and makes rash decisions, based on impulse.

But the day he comes home from a market with a foal instead of the calf, he intended to buy, changes Albert’s life forever.

War Horse at The Lowry Theatre

Like Ken Loach’s Kes, we watch in awe as we see a connection form between a young boy and an unexpected new arrival.

The lad and the horse are both scared about what life might bring them.

But as Albert begins to train Joey, his confidence begins to grow, and this partnership becomes something beautiful to behold.

Incredible puppetry

Joey the foal is given life by three incredible puppeteers/performers: Diany Samba-Bandza, Jordan Paris, and Eloise Beaumont-Wood.

The fastidious research that has been carried out behind the scenes, pays off, as you believe that this is a foal who is hungry for new experiences, however tentative they may seem.

Like all great children’s stories, such as The Black Stallion, E.T and others, there are many tear-inducing moments. Just as Joey proves to be a great asset to the family, he is sold to the army.

And the two pals are separated.

But Albert refuses to accept that Joey is gone and sets off to find him, whatever the cost.

Michael Morpurgo’s novel, on which this is based, covers so many themes and Marianne Elliott and Thomas Norris’ play which has become a global phenomenon, has not lost sight of that.

Exploring PTSD, poverty, and war

It explores PTSD, the impact of poverty, and the fact that many men were not talking about the effects of war, they instead would send letters home -painting a rose-tinted picture of what was taking place.

Joey soon becomes a symbol of hope for the local community, and Rianna Ash, Chris Milford and Thomas Goodridge present him with a desire to get back to his devoted owner, by doing what he is told.

And because of their amazing puppetry, you step into the mind of this beautiful creature, who is at one time strong as an ox, yet at the same time fragile, as the shifting sands of war take their toll on these selfless animals, sent to battle with no guarantee that they will make it back home.

The Handspring Puppet Company

The Handspring Puppet Company have created some stunning horses, from the washed-out and burned-out creatures, who are literally on their last legs, to the foal that is Joey, all wide-eyed and filled with wonder.

The actors who pull the strings and breathe in and out in synch are all remarkable.

You can find out more about their work by clicking here

Tom Sturgess is a superb and steady anchor within this huge production, and he grounds the piece with heart and optimism, as a lad who has a newfound purpose, following the arrival of this foal, who needs him and wants him.

Ike Bennett is also excellent, as Albert’s ‘brother in arms’, who wisecracks his way through the most dangerous of situations.

There is also an impatient goose, who longs to be part of the action who steals every scene that he is in, thanks to brilliant comic timing by the puppeteer in charge.

And it is not all about Joey, there is also Topthorn – a strong and sturdy war horse (Matthew Lawrence, Rafe Young and Felicity Donnelly) who brings an element of rivalry and friendship to proceedings.

During the second half, there are a couple of scenes that would benefit from less oats and more action, and it does enter ‘Allo ‘Allo territory with the mix of accents and characters pronouncing that they do not speak French, really slowly.

But War Horse still has the power to move you and highlight just how awe-inspiring live theatre can be.

This is an epic tale about the power of friendship, and it may have been at the Lowry before and been halfway around the world, but it retains the energy and beauty of a filly foal, ready to explore, roam and see the world for the very first time.

Tickets for War Horse at The Lowry

War Horse is at the Lowry until 28^th September and can be booked here