Olivier - National Theatre
South Bank, London, SE1 9PX
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War Horse Tickets
The emotional, epic war story and theatrical marvel of puppetry returns to the stage.
4.8 614 reviews from 614 verified reviews- Booking until: Thursday, 30 July 2026
- Running time: 2hr 45min. Incl. Interval.
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War Horse in London
Twenty years after its world premiere, the legendary production of War Horse makes a triumphant return to the National Theatre from 16th May 2026, for a strictly limited season. Witness the heartwarming, epic story of young Albert and his beloved horse Joey during the horrors of the First World War, brought to jaw-dropping life by hyper-realistic life-sized puppets.
Why you should watch War Horse
- From the original children’s story to the critically acclaimed 2011 film to the award-winning stage play, War Horse has won hearts all over the world with its epic, heartwarming story of friendship, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between a boy and his horse.
- Jaw-dropping and masterful puppets from Handspring Puppet Company bring the play’s horses to stunning life - galloping and charging across the stage and fully immersing you into the world of War Horse.
- With a thrilling story, incredible special effects, and powerful themes, this is the perfect show for audiences of all ages, every bit as relevant and moving as it was twenty years ago.
What is War Horse about?
Based on a children's story by the former children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo, War Horse is set during the First World War, where Albert's beloved horse, Joey, is sold to the cavalry and transported by sea to the battlefields of France. Albert isn't old enough to enlist in the army. But he simply cannot forget his beloved friend. So he starts off on a dramatic mission across war-torn, ruined French landscapes to find Joey. It's a story that underlines the value of friendship and loyalty as well as highlighting the love, respect and trust that can develop between humans and their companion animals.
War Horse has won hearts across all ages for its emotional story of friendship and war, as well as the amazingly lifelike puppets from Handspring Puppet Company that bring the play's life-sized horses to life with breathtaking realism. The show's immense success has won it two Olivier Awards and five Tony Awards. Now, this sold-out West End marvel returns to the National Theatre twenty years after its world premiere, so don't miss your choice to catch this epic, heartwarming story onstage once again. Praised as a “theatrical tour de force” by The Times, this is the perfect magical theatre show for children and adults alike.
Book now and prepare to be swept away into an epic, heartfelt story that has thrilled and delighted audiences for twenty years.
War Horse Last Minute Tickets
War Horse Official Theatre Tickets
Our central reservation system connects you directly to the Olivier - National Theatre box office system. We provide live & full availability for War Horse tickets, from VIP and premium, to top price and discount tickets, helping you choose the perfect tickets for your budget. Pick your seats from our interactive seating plan and get your theatre tickets emailed to you instantly after your booking. Simply present your e-tickets at the door on the day and experience what London & the West End have best to offer: the magic of theatre. Buying tickets for War Horse has never been easier.
War Horse Ticket Information
- Booking until:
Thursday, 30 July 2026
- Running time:
2hr 45min. Incl. Interval.
- Age restrictions
Ages 10+.
- Important Information
This production contains loud sound effects, flashing lights and strobe lighting.
- Cancellations & Refunds
Once booked, tickets to War Horse are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.
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War Horse reviews
What to expect:
ActingMusic
Costumes
Story
Lighting
- Recommended for:
- Families (86%)
- Teenagers (87%)
- Couples (89%)
- Theatregoers (95%)
Latest customer reviews
All reviews are from customers who have been invited to leave a review just after seeing War Horse.
verified
Total Magic!The production was top notch - props and lighting effects were outstanding. A real treat!
B Reviewed on 09 July 2026 by Bridget
United Kingdom
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WarhorseThe show was absolutely amazing, the acting was super, the story was exactly the same as the film.
C Reviewed on 08 July 2026 by Carol
United Kingdom
verified
War horse - A spectactular and humanitarian performanceWar horse was an absolutely performance, the characters brought emotion into every role, the horss puppetering and scene tranistioning was spectacular. All characters,set an example for how acting range can convey total emotion. The script was well conveyed, and knew when and when not to tug at heart strings, or cause a wave of laughter. Personally the show excelled at conveying the humantiarian aspects in war, where men are pitted against eachother not because of anger, but for love of what they hold dear(Joey in our protagonists case). The only minor nitpick is that show excessively tries to demonstrates who the antagonists are which comes accross as somewhat comical in certain areas that draws away from the shows beautiful narrative, yet this gripe certainly does not lie with the performances from the superb cast themselfs. Overall i would highly recommend people watch this show.
M Reviewed on 06 July 2026 by Megan
United Kingdom
verified
Wonderful production with heartening messageThe combination of acting and screen projection was brilliant. Those horses were very real. There was humour and humanity.
P Reviewed on 06 July 2026 by Peter
United Kingdom
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Mind blowingThe puppetry is unlike anything I’ve seen . Just when you think you’ve seen it all ….. keeping it raw with no microphones and the actors speaking / singing / dancing was great . Albert was exceptional !
P Reviewed on 05 July 2026 by Prithviraj
United Kingdom
verified
An amazing show!The story is brought wonderfully alive on stage by the magnificent mechanics of the puppetry and overall staging. It is really astonishingly sensitive and powerfully emotional through the amazing expertise of all involved. Just brilliant.
M Reviewed on 02 July 2026 by Meg
United Kingdom
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The best thing I've ever seen 😍J Reviewed on 29 June 2026 by Jane
United Kingdom
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Amazing experience - I was transported back in timeLoved the show, perfect setting, staff are great. All round amazing experience - so worth the money. Loved my seat - E4, as was by myself.
S Reviewed on 28 June 2026 by Susan
United Kingdom
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Don’t miss this show-heartwarmingA Reviewed on 26 June 2026 by Anne
United Kingdom
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Amazing production-very emotionalFunny sad great story and fabulous production
E Reviewed on 25 June 2026 by Elaine
United Kingdom
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Joey the war horseI heard lots of people leaving the auditorium saying they really enjoyed the show and I really wanted this play to be in my top 5 but I came away feeling deflated. The story is entertaining and the costumes cheerfully different but the actors in joey let it down. Joey legs had lost their flow and often left dangling in the air... the black horse was played wonderfully. I found it rather distracting and unfortunately couldn't connect with joey at all. Sadly not a play I would see again.
L Reviewed on 25 June 2026 by Leigh-ann
United Kingdom
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It was an excellent showWe would recommend going to this show. The workings of the horses were incredible and the whole performance excellent
L Reviewed on 23 June 2026 by Lyla
United Kingdom
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Animals in war story during WW1Having read warhorse a number of times including with my children, this performace added to the the emotional quotient in engagement and brought insights of how this man animal relationship shaped previous generations. I was thoughtful what the performance brought me into modern warfare of drones and missiles, which look as games people play but the suffering th the ground for real people and animals is devastating.
V Reviewed on 18 June 2026 by Varsha
United Kingdom
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BrilliantH Reviewed on 18 June 2026 by Heike
United Kingdom
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Absolutely wonderful. Would see it againThe nearer to the stage you sit,the more details you can see on the puppets and the expressions of the puppeteers when they make the amazing life-like animal sounds
R Reviewed on 17 June 2026 by Roxana
Cyprus
verified
A Must SeeThis is the second time I have seen War Horse and it is as compelling as ever. The National Theatre’s production is stellar. From early one we fall straight into the conceit that this horse is a real, feeling, sensitive spirit. And this is as we are watching the puppeteers work their magic. They are masters of their craft and the horses’ heads are beautifully rendered. The show is over two and a half hours long, but it doesn’t feel like it. Both visual and sound effects are stunning and place the viewer squarely in the hideous, wasteful calamity of the war. The audience roots for both man and horse to the very climax. This is an unforgettable production in every way and the venue is perfect.
N Reviewed on 17 June 2026 by Nancy
Canada
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DramaticGreat staging and lighting, moments of great drama, very good seats.,
R Reviewed on 16 June 2026 by Rebecca
United Kingdom
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War HorseK Reviewed on 13 June 2026 by Keith
United States Of America
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A powerful production of an old favouriteI enjoyed the production immensely though I felt that it could have benefitted from some editing of the longer scenes
J Reviewed on 10 June 2026 by Jo
United Kingdom
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Amazing showAmazing. Incredible puppetry to bring the horses to life. Very emotional depiction of this incredible story.
B Reviewed on 09 June 2026 by Bryony
United Kingdom
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Best show ever!This show “War Horse” will be one of your favorites for years to come. This was my 3rd time seeing it. The way they use the horses makes you believe they are real animals. Do not hesitate to see it!
R Reviewed on 09 June 2026 by Robin
United States Of America
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FantasticIt was the best theatre I have ever seen! So emotional! Loved it!
J Reviewed on 08 June 2026 by Jordis Rebecca
Germany
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AmazingL Reviewed on 06 June 2026 by Lesley
United Kingdom
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Very specialWe came from The Netherlands to see The show and it was worth it!
E Reviewed on 01 June 2026 by Elvira
Netherlands
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Amazing and emotionally charged performanceOutstanding performance by every actor involved in this show. Production was faultless. Emotionally intense so would not recommend vommend for small children
S Reviewed on 31 May 2026 by Sue
United Kingdom
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Ceative masterpiece.Loved this show. Heavier than I expected, it was very moving. Stunning and creative.
S Reviewed on 30 May 2026 by Suzanne
United Kingdom
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It was a bit “heavy “ in places probably wasn’t expecting that. I was quite amazed at the amount of young children there. Guess I’m just getting old😂G Reviewed on 28 May 2026 by Gillian
United Kingdom
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Not to be missedCouldn’t believe how real the horses were, loved the show
P Reviewed on 28 May 2026 by Patricia
Zambia
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AmazingJ Reviewed on 26 May 2026 by Jan
United States Of America
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war horse: the beautyan extraordinary show! everything excellent!
P Reviewed on 26 May 2026 by Paola Alessia
Italy
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A must see for allN Reviewed on 21 May 2026 by Nicky
United Kingdom
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Outstanding and raw performanceK Reviewed on 05 August 2025 by Ksp
United Kingdom
Please note the reviews below are from an old production of War Horse.
verified
Stunning and a spectacular stagingHorses looked real, their movements, gestures and facial expressions were incredibly well done. Furthermore, sound and lighting during the battles were impressive. I enjoyed the performance a lot.Congratulations to all the company. One advice I would give to families would be not to go with children around 5 years old because the strong sound of the shoots can make the children feel frightened.
R Reviewed on 22 November 2019 by Rebeca
Spain
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Moving and great acting and creativityVery moving and thought provoking; spectacular creativity with horses; so natural and researched - you forget the horse are 'nor real'; amazing passion shown by Albert - extremely well acted! Standing Ovation.
B Reviewed on 25 October 2019 by Bj
United Kingdom
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Looking forward to seeing it again on tour 2017!We all loved this show, it was great for my teenage sons. The skill of the puppet masters was amazing. Looking forward to seeing it again when the tour starts next year.
R Reviewed on 15 March 2016 by Rachel
United Kingdom
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Loved itAbsolutely brilliant show!
K Reviewed on 11 March 2016 by Katy
United Kingdom
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magical and emotionalV Reviewed on 05 March 2016 by Venetia
United Kingdom
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amazingS Reviewed on 27 February 2016 by Samantha
United Kingdom
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FantasticJ Reviewed on 21 February 2016 by Julien
United Kingdom
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Brilliant!S Reviewed on 20 February 2016 by Sophie
United Kingdom
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Absolutely FantasticThis show was fantastic, the acting was amazing. A captivating story, funny in places and sad in other. A real entertaining show. The animatronics were out of this world.
K Reviewed on 18 February 2016 by Karen
United Kingdom
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FantasticSo happy we were able to see this before the end of it's run.
A Reviewed on 13 February 2016 by Antony
United Kingdom
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Must see show very humblingExcellent show, suitable for all the family. Very poignant to those who love horses and anyone who has family connections to the first world war.
P Reviewed on 11 February 2016 by Paul
United Kingdom
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Hero's with a difference.war horse was a Christmas gift to my friend so I tagged along, I had seen the film so I thought I would enjoy the show also. From the very start I was drawn into the performance by the brilliant skills of the actors who appeared well cast for their part, those actors demonstrating the horses were amazing and you really saw them as horses, brilliant. A very moving and thought provoking show and definitely one I would recommend. However I did think some members of the audience were a bit too young to watch it, mainly due to sudden loud bangs and distracting the audience. Overall, excellent.
L Reviewed on 11 February 2016 by Linda
United Kingdom
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See it before it endsM Reviewed on 03 February 2016 by Mary
United Kingdom
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FabulousReally enjoyed the show. We got cheaper tickets at side of the stage but very close to the stage. the choreography, costumes, acting, puppetry and the singing was amazing. The horses were very lifelike. Nothing I didn't like!
J Reviewed on 01 February 2016 by Jackie
Ireland
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a story with historyAWell put together show that is for every one shame it has to end
S Reviewed on 31 January 2016 by Susan
United Kingdom
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Fantastic showThoroughly enjoyable, beautifully portraying the heart wrenching story and loved the little hints of humour within. Very clever and believable. Loved it!
D Reviewed on 30 January 2016 by Doreen
United Kingdom
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wonderfullC Reviewed on 28 January 2016 by Cameron
United Kingdom
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BrilliantB Reviewed on 26 January 2016 by Bryan
United Kingdom
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Emotional, Moving, Captivating, Insperational, ExcellentWar Horse was an excellent show. All the cast were brilliant. How do they move those horses so well? The horses movements are soooo life like. I was mesmerized by them. As must watch.
D Reviewed on 25 January 2016 by Debbie
United Kingdom
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A masterpiece not to be missed!K Reviewed on 24 January 2016 by Kathleen
United Kingdom
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Simply BrilliantC Reviewed on 22 January 2016 by Carl
United Kingdom
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phenomenal.B Reviewed on 17 January 2016 by Ben
United Kingdom
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Great puppetry.It's amazing to see such life in a wooden horse. The actors even ride the puppets which I found particularly astounding. Well worth seeing for the technical achievement even if the storey is just a little sentimental.
J Reviewed on 16 January 2016 by Jacob
Belgium
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Moving and upliftingFantastic realistic movements by the people operating the horses. Singing music and special effects great.
C Reviewed on 16 January 2016 by Catherine
United Kingdom
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MovingE Reviewed on 10 January 2016 by Elizabeth
United Kingdom
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MesmerisingBest show I've ever seen was gripped from the beginning to end. The animals were incredible and you felt like you were part of the story it was so realistic and atmospheric. Everyone should see this.
S Reviewed on 07 January 2016 by Susan
United Kingdom
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Lose yourself in the StoryWords can not say how magical this show was, despite the story matter. You forget the amazing puppetry believing the horses and goose are real. Well done to all the actors and staff involved.
D Reviewed on 07 January 2016 by Debra
United Kingdom
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Amazing choreography and staging. Met all my expectations
S Reviewed on 06 January 2016 by Stephanie
United Kingdom
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Must seeBought tickets for my parents as a present and they loved it. The horse puppets were amazing. They really enjoyed it.
K Reviewed on 04 January 2016 by Karolina
United Kingdom
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Great but not my tasteA great story and an excellent show. But not my taste because I want to see a 'real' opera rather than a drama.
D Reviewed on 03 January 2016 by Daihui
China
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war horse at perfectionI thought that the show was brilliant. The actors had the west country accent spot on and as we are Cornish, we are the best judges of that. Its a shame that its closing down. The horses seemed so real, very emotional, I loved it.
G Reviewed on 01 January 2016 by Gloria
United Kingdom
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Best show I've ever seen!This was an amazing show. The performers were superb and the movement of the horses was faultless. I was absolutely flabbergasted by the whole thing and haven't stopped talking about it since I got home.
D Reviewed on 30 December 2015 by Denise
United Kingdom
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surprisingly goodWhat I liked the most is the brilliant acting performance by lead actor who played Albert. He had good connection with Joey and brought the character into life
Q Reviewed on 30 December 2015 by Quoc Khanh
United Kingdom
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Exciting, highly recommendDefinately advise anyone and everyone to watch this. Everyone will love it.
H Reviewed on 23 December 2015 by Holly
United Kingdom
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a unique theatrical experienceM Reviewed on 22 December 2015 by Mark
United Kingdom
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Great story with lots of improvisation!Some of the props that were used were unimaginable and very fascinating! The storyline was great and overall a wonderful production. Acting was amazing. Great for WW1 historians and generally any other history lovers.
H Reviewed on 21 December 2015 by Huzefa
United Kingdom
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Great show!J Reviewed on 19 December 2015 by John
United Kingdom
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Very creative puppetry and excellent story, very well presnetedB Reviewed on 17 December 2015 by Bruce
United Kingdom
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Fantastic jobM Reviewed on 16 December 2015 by Mary
United Kingdom
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Brilliant - a must seeA Reviewed on 14 December 2015 by Albert
Gibraltar
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wonderful storey the horse was realThe show was wonderful.During the first few minutes you are aware that men are carrying the horse then the horse Joey becomes alive.Watch out for the goose she gets a great clap at the end. It's the best show in London.
B Reviewed on 14 December 2015 by Brian
United Kingdom
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amazing, poignant, memorable, a great portrayal of the warP Reviewed on 12 December 2015 by Patricia
United Kingdom
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FantasticGreat evening out thoroughly recommended
D Reviewed on 09 December 2015 by Dennis
United Kingdom
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Amazing!We have been to most of the major shows in London but for us this is right at the top. Incredible, emotional and breathtaking!
C Reviewed on 06 December 2015 by Chris
United Kingdom
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Excellent show!Excellent show and definately a must see for anyone who loves theatre. The seats were amazing and you really felt in the midst of it all with the actors walking around the seats!
R Reviewed on 04 December 2015 by Rachel
United Kingdom
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CleverK Reviewed on 30 November 2015 by Karin
Australia
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A MEMORABLE STORYYou feel like you have been transported back in time, Acting Singing & Choreography was to a very high Standard, & very believable.
A Reviewed on 29 November 2015 by Alan
United Kingdom
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Brilliant !!!!!
D Reviewed on 27 November 2015 by Dave
United Kingdom
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Wonderfully portrayedR Reviewed on 27 November 2015 by Raneen
United Kingdom
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Unforgetable and moving throughout i was lost in a sea of emotion and joydon't forget to bring the hankies
Y Reviewed on 27 November 2015 by Yvette
United Kingdom
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Sensational, very movingVery poignant at this time of year - near to Remembrance Day. Totally absorbed throughout the performance. Superb acting and very clever mechanical operation of the horses. The show enlightened the audience to the importance played by the horses during the Great War. Very clever use of the minimal scenary. Moving music all the way through. A wonderful production.
M Reviewed on 25 November 2015 by Mary
United Kingdom
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Don't miss this showI Reviewed on 24 November 2015 by Ian
United Kingdom
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Must seeExcellent. Puppetry amazing. Strong emotive storyline. Atmospheric. Lightened by just the right amount of humour.
G Reviewed on 22 November 2015 by Gwen
United Kingdom
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ExcellentS Reviewed on 22 November 2015 by Susan
United Kingdom
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Someone knows horsesThought this show was innovative and beautifully stage an inmate knowledge and study of horse behaviour The stamina of the actors was amazing Funny and sad and joyful
J Reviewed on 21 November 2015 by Judy
United Kingdom
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Great show!B Reviewed on 17 November 2015 by Brian
United Kingdom
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CumbriansShow was fantastic, probably the best I have ever been to. Action scenes on stage amazing, much more feeling of empathy than film. Brilliant !
P Reviewed on 15 November 2015 by Peter
United Kingdom
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Just wonderful, I was sorry when it ended!As above, a wonderful story. We had seats in the stalls and felt so involved in the what was going on on the stage.
P Reviewed on 15 November 2015 by Patricia
United Kingdom
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Animal loversThe horses movements etc were very realistic, they got the expressions down to a T.
T Reviewed on 15 November 2015 by Terri
United Kingdom
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FantasticI have been to many places in my time but this one just beats them all just everything was just fantastic and I'd go and watch it again
S Reviewed on 03 November 2015 by Sharon
United Kingdom
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PowerfulJ Reviewed on 01 November 2015 by Julia
United Kingdom
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AmazingE Reviewed on 31 October 2015 by Eddie
United Kingdom
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Great puppetryReally enjoyed it great theatre not too big to see the stage properly and recommend the show. The movements of the horse puppets were realistic.
S Reviewed on 30 October 2015 by Susan
United Kingdom
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captivatingDid't want the interval just wanted to keep watching !! it was a fantastic show and the mechanical horses were very soon real and majestic. The only annoyance was that it was very hard to hear 'mums' voice thankfully the other characters projected beautifully - this may have just been a temporary microphone fault tho. Absolutley worth watching and will do again if we have the oppourtunity
C Reviewed on 26 October 2015 by Claire
United Kingdom
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Awesome, well designedThe horse puppets used in the show were very accurate to real horses. The lighting also helped the mood of the show. The story was well written, and the actors seemed like they were the actual people.
M Reviewed on 23 October 2015 by Maurien Oi Man
Hong Kong
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Must SeeD Reviewed on 20 October 2015 by Debbie
United Kingdom
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spectacularSeats comfortable; friendly staff; toilets clean & atmosphere fantastic!!!
J Reviewed on 19 October 2015 by Julie
United Kingdom
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Wonderful enthral long made me cry with joy at the endA lovely theatre
H Reviewed on 18 October 2015 by Hilary
United Kingdom