Aklah Arabians

War Horse

Tina and I have just recently arrived back from a most enjoyable trip to the theatre in London, to see War Horse, a play based on a book written by Michael Morpurgo. The story for those not acquainted with it is told through the eyes of a horse called Joey, who is sold as a foal at auction and bought by Albert’s drunken father. The play goes on to demonstrate how a special bond is forged between Joey and Albert before his father in a drunken state sells him to the army to serve in the front line of the First Great World War. The story goes on to share Joey’s experience as an officers charge, to being captured by the Germans, to pulling huge guns, being rescued from barbed wire in no mans land to his eventual repatriation with Albert who had joined the army to find him .

The story was brilliantly brought to life on stage by an excellent cast performance and the enjoyment was further enhanced by the life size horse puppets, designed and presented in association with the Handspring Puppet Company. It is obvious that they had spent many hours observing the traits of horses, in addition to enlisting the help and advice of Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks, to ensure that the carriage, posture and movements imitate reality as closely as possible. I defy anybody who has any association with horses not to be impressed.

War Horse Puppets

If you are looking to treat yourself, you could do far worse than taking time out to see this production. If this is not possible it has been reported that Steven Spielberg is going to direct a movie based on the book which is scheduled to be released in August 2011. If the movie captures the mood of the play I have no doubt that this will be the modern day equivalent of Black Beauty.

For further reviews and news regarding War Horse visit their dedicated Facebook page.