THE MUCH-ACCLAIMED National Theatre’s stunning production of War Horse has galloped its way into Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre.

To not give too much away (and if you do not know the story), it centres on the bond between Albert, a teenage boy, and a horse – Joey – he is tasked with looking after. It is set against the backdrop of the First World War and, as the title suggests, Joey heads off to become part of the cavalry.

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The Cast and Puppetry

There are some fine acting performances in War Horse, including Jo Castleton as Albert’s mum Rose – she conveys perfectly the daily struggle her character has – torn between keeping her wayward and selfish husband in line and trying to build bridges between him and Albert.

Likewise, Karl Haynes is great as the drunken, susceptible to gambling dad Billy – he captures the selfishness of the character who is always thinking of the next way he can benefit himself.

There are far too many other characters to mention everyone, but Gareth Radcliffe got a few much-needed laughs in this often dark production as the stereotypical Sgt Thunder with his barked out orders and French attempt failures (he also doubled as Albert’s uncle Arthur). Chris Williams played the firm but fair Lt Nicholls well. And Alexander Ballinger’s portrayal of German soldier Cptn Friedrich poses questions about the whole concept of war, taking sides in wars and relationships between humans and humans and humans and animals.

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But, the acting performance of the show goes undoubtedly to Tom Sturgess who is perfect in the role of Albert as he carefully, day-by-day, builds an intimate – ‘best friends’ – relationship with Joey. It is heart-warming to watch the bond develop and we, the audience, are willing everything to go right for the pair.

This is not only testament to Sturgess’ acting ability but also to the incredible puppetry before your eyes. Shout-out here to Eloise Beaumont-Wood, Clara Lioe, Jordan Paris, Tom Quinn, Lewis  McBean and Michael Larcombe – between them they bring to life on stage Joey as a foal and as a fully grown horse. The ‘bring to life’ phrase does not really seem to do what they accomplish justice – the attention to detail is unrivalled – every body move, head tilt or sway, nuzzle, snort, bucking and kicking is immaculately captured – it is as if they have spent six months sat in a field studying a real horse’s every move and mannerism.

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And their talents are matched by Tea Poldervaart, Robin Hayward and Gun Suen who, between them, controlled the other horse in the second act – ‘Topthorn’.  You got the feeling any of these puppeteers on stage could easily, between them and if it was allowed, take dressage Olympic Gold for Team GB.

There are other puppet highlights too, including a mischievous goose, swallows and crows.

The Set

The set is simple but clever at the same time – the vast stage needs to be relatively clear to get massive galloping horses around it, along with a cart, plough and gun carriage. With this in mind, a lot of the time, a few poles, held by the cast suffices to switch the action between numerous venues – a house, stables, a livestock market and First World War battlegrounds and this necessary simple approach does not detract or lessen the experience.

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The rest of the heavy lifting for scene-setting and backdrop is done by a half backdrop screen which enables the action to smoothly transition from the rolling hills of Devon to the First World War battlefields with the flick of a switch and conveniently convey the passing of seasons from spring, through to winter and year to year.

Sound and special effects

A mention also has to go to Sally Swanson, the nightingale-voiced singer, who – sometimes with the help of backing vocalists – provided the perfect soundtrack for this production with her poignant appearances, often between scenes or setting them.

The special effects – especially during the war scenes – are also incredible with flashes, bangs, fades to black and more.

To say this production takes you on two-hour-plus emotional roller-coaster goes nowhere near far enough – I had tingles, goosebumps, chuckled occasionally and welled up during some scenes. This truly is full-on immersive theatre like you will never have seen before.

By the end you feel that – through its combination of fine acting, unbelievably lifelike puppetry, sound effects and other elements – there is not one emotion left in you that you have not just experienced.

War Horse – on its National Theatre tour – is at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre until Saturday, July 19. Click here for times, tickets and more information.

*****

Review by Tristan Harris.