Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo. Adapted by Nick Stafford Directed by Marianne Elliot and Tom Morris. In association with the award-winning Handspring Puppet Company.

On a wet September Sunday, a crowd gathered at the Lowry theatre, similar to a L.S Lowry painting. We were met with a warm welcome by all the staff, the place was buzzing with excitement to see War horse.

The play opens with a stunning piece of stage/video production, a cloud also doubling as a ripped page from a sketch book fills the backdrop.

A number of sketches and videos set the scenes throughout the play and take you on a journey. Whether it be the opening scene of the fields of Devon, the village, the ships and planes or no mans land. The beautiful etched backdrops added a simple yet effective way to change locations.

The play begins with Chris William (Lieutenant Nicholls/ Doctor Schweyk)sketching the Devonshire countryside, accompanied by the stunning vocals of Sally Swanson. Her incredible tones and songs during the play kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Sally combined a joyful and unique haunting style to make you feel the mood instantly, whether it was in the village fair, or troops being cared for in the hospital. She was superb backed up by the talented ensemble.

We finally meet the young horse masterfully puppertered by Diany Samba-Bandza, Jordan Paris and Eloise Beaumont-Wood. The village is packed for the auction, the young stallion is up for sale. We see a fiercely fought bidding war, by some of our main characters Karl Haynes (Ted Narracott) / Gareth Radcliffe (Arthur Narracott/Sergeant Thunder) resulting in the two brothers battling it out.

SOLD for 39 guineas (todays equivalent £41) to Ted and his family; wife Jo Castelton (Rose Narracott) and son Tom Sturgess (Albert Narracott) we begin the roller coaster journey the Narracotts have with this beautiful stead in particular, Albert. Tom Sturgess transform from a boy to man on stage, an exciting talent who acted with maturity in such a delicate role.

The bond he creates with Joey (horse) is unbreakable, I feel this is personified when Albert whistles and Joey knows that this signal only they understand. They grow up together by riding and hurdling the fields day and night.

One of the highlights in the play, which blew me and the audience away, was the transition from young Joey to Joey. A masterful piece of theatre and the Puppeteering. Puppeteers; Rianna Ash, Chris Milford and Thomas Goodridge.

You are invested now in this unique relationship between man and Horse. War begins with the sound of bells and until those bells ring again we see the struggle, strain and separatio between Albert and Joey.

Joey starts as a British Officers Horse, but quickly finds himself on the other side in the German camp. Thankfully looked after by the talented Alexander Ballinger (Captain Friedrich Muller /Allan) he tries to protect Joey and himself by joining the medical unit. As the war develops they both become lost in the mayhem, at first a medical Horse to then pulling a machine gun.

Albert also goes on his fair share of ups and downs; enlisting early to find Joey, moving up the ranks and befriending Ike Bennett (David Taylor/Thomas Bone). The harsh reality of war is scary, loud and dark; the sound, music and lighting was terrifying. The Tank scene optimised this and was crafted to make you feel you were in no man’s land being attacked from both sides.

Moments of hope, happiness and comedic performances shine throughout. The geese trying to get in the farm house or Gareth Radcliffe (Sergeant Thunder) shouting at his new recruits and even putting Owen Dagnall (Geordie) in harms way to get Joey was dark comedy at its finest.

The final few scenes are emotional and poignant, waving a white flag to protect Joey, we see both sides realise what’s important In life, we are all human, shaking hands to protect what’s sacred, a heroic Horse caught in the middle of this Kaiser vs King conflict.

The final scenes had me at the edge of my seat, to sum it up breathe taxingly beautiful. I implore anyone to go see this phenomenal play. Its brilliant from start to finish, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Simply put a 5 minute standing ovation by myself and everyone in attendance is the best review I can give. To all the cast, crew, production and staff at the Lowry, thank you for a wonderful experience.

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