Preview: War Horse: A Theatrical Masterpiece Gallops into Newcastle

War Horse: A Theatrical Masterpiece Gallops into Newcastle

This September, one of the most celebrated theatrical events of the 21st century will arrive at Newcastle Theatre Royal for the very first time. The National Theatre’s multi-award-winning production of War Horse runs from Wednesday 10 – Saturday 20 September 2025, giving North East audiences the chance to experience the epic story of Joey, the horse who captured the world’s heart.

From Page to Stage: The Origins of War Horse

War Horse began life as a children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo, published in 1982. Set against the devastating backdrop of the First World War, it tells the story of Albert, a young boy from Devon, and his beloved horse Joey. When Joey is sold to the Cavalry and shipped off to France, Albert sets out on a perilous journey to reunite with him. The novel—exploring themes of war, courage, family, and reconciliation—has sold over two million copies worldwide and been translated into 44 languages.

It wasn’t until 2007, however, that the story took on a new life on stage. Adapted by Nick Stafford and co-directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, War Horse premiered at the National Theatre in London. What made it truly revolutionary was the groundbreaking puppetry by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company. Their life-sized horses, crafted from cane and leather, didn’t just mimic animals—they became them, breathing, galloping, and charging across the stage in a way that stunned audiences and critics alike.

A Global Phenomenon

From its premiere in 2007, War Horse quickly became a phenomenon. It transferred to the New London Theatre in 2009 and went on to tour the world, with productions in Broadway, Berlin, Toronto, and across North America and Europe. To date, the play has been seen by over 8.3 million people in 97 cities across 14 countries, earning more than 25 major awards.

The scale of its impact cannot be overstated—it is the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre and has inspired a generation of theatre-makers. Even when its second world tour was cut short in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, audiences and artists alike held onto the hope that Joey would one day return to the stage.

The 2025 Tour: A Reimagined Vision

This all-new tour, co-produced with Michael Harrison (the Newcastle-born producer behind the Theatre Royal’s record-breaking pantomimes), brings War Horse back to UK stages with fresh energy. Directed once again by Tom Morris with revival director Katie Henry, the production will feature reimagined designs by Rae Smith and additional music by Adrian Sutton.

Alongside the iconic puppetry of Handspring, the show is enriched by stirring folk-inspired songs from John Tams, evocative sound design, and breathtaking visual projections by 59 Productions. The creative team includes leading lights in theatre, from puppet director Matthew Forbes to choreographer Toby Sedgwick, ensuring the 2025 tour retains the magic that made War Horse unforgettable while refreshing it for a new generation.

A Story That Resonates Today

As we mark 110 years since the outbreak of the First World War, and more than 40 years since Morpurgo first published his novel, War Horse feels more resonant than ever. Its themes of courage, loss, and reconciliation echo through history, reminding us of the human and animal cost of war.

Michael Morpurgo himself reflects on the show’s revival:

“War Horse is about the tragedy of war and about a horse and his boy, but it’s also so many other things—it’s about family and community, courage and loss, hope, and most importantly reconciliation.”

Photos: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg 

Tickets:-

War Horse plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Wednesday 10 – Saturday 20 September 2025. Tickets are available online at theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

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✨ Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or returning to Joey’s story once more, War Horse promises a theatrical experience like no other—deeply moving, visually breathtaking, and unforgettably human.