REVIEW | War Horse [Regent Theatre, Hanley]

Review by David Bithell

War Horse, the Tony Award-winning production adapted from Michael Morpurgo's beloved novel, gallops to the stage of the Regent Theatre in Hanley this week. We went along to the opening night last night and it was nothing short of a theatrical masterpiece. This production is directed by Tom Morris with revival director Katie Henry, the show brings together exceptional puppetry, wonderful, heartfelt performances, and a powerful story set against the backdrop of World War I. This was the first time we had seen it or read the story so we were open minded as to what to expect and we were certainly not disappointed.

From the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear we would be about to witness something truly special. The stage came alive with breathtaking puppetry, which was undoubtedly one of the most impressive elements of the show. The life-sized horses, created by the Handspring Puppet Company, were nothing short of magical. The puppeteers’ skillful movements bought the horses to life with such incredible lifelike qualities that it was easy to forget these were merely puppets. Joey, the central horse of the story, captured the hearts of the audience, his every movement and expression conveying a profound sense of emotion and spirit. It was clear he was about to be the star of the show, after all the play is named after him.

The story, which follows a young boy named Albert and his deep bond with Joey as they are separated by the horrors of war, depicting loyalty, love, and the human spirit. As the plot unfolds, the emotional stakes rise, and the audience is pulled into the gripping journey of Albert’s search for Joey, through the brutalities of the war and the moments of hope amongst that of despair. The show not once loses sight of the human connections at its heart.

The cast was equally impressive and deserved a massive shoutout. Joey’s "voice" was brought to life by a team of three puppeteers whose physicality and expression made each of the horse’s movements resonate with sincerity. In terms of human characters, Tom Sturgess, playing Albert, delivered a heartfelt performance, his portrayal of a young boy growing into a man was both touching and compelling. The chemistry between Albert and Joey felt real, and their connection resonated deeply with the audience. Special mention to the following cast members for Joey, Head - Rianna Ash, Heart - Chris Milford and Hind - local to the area, Tommy Goodridge. To the superb cast who controlled Topthorn, Head - Matthew Lawrence, Heart - Rafe Young and Hind - Felicity Donnelly. Finally the puppeteers who controlled Joey as a foal. The Head - Jordan Paris, Heart - Diany Samba-Bandza and finally Hind - Alistair So.

Creative development for the tour features reimagined designs by Rae Smith and additional music by Adrian Sutton. Puppet design and fabrication is by Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company, lighting design is by Rob Casey, movement and horse choreography is by Toby Sedgwick with puppet direction by Matthew Forbes. Animation and projection design is by Nicol Scott for 59 Productions, John Tams is songmaker and sound design is by Christopher Shutt. Casting is by Jill Green CDG. They are joined by associate designer Will Fricker and associate costume designer Johanna Coe; associate lighting designer Tom Turner; associate sound designer Rob Bettle, assistant sound designer Raffaela Pancucci, musical director Dom Coyote, voice coach Carol Fairlamb, dialect coach Rebecca Daltry, resident director Anna Marshall and assistant puppetry director Lewis Howard.

The production’s design is also an impressive part of the show. The stark, minimalist set was perfect for capturing the depths of war, with its sweeping backdrops of battlefields and muddy trenches. Yet, at the same time, there were moments of delicate beauty, such as when the horses were silhouetted against a setting sun. The use of lighting and the various projections added layers of depth to the production, subtly enhancing the emotional weight of the scenes.

The Regent Theatre itself is a lovely venue for this production. The acoustics were superb, ensuring every whisper and every clap of hooves could be heard with crystal clarity.

In conclusion, War Horse at the Regent Theatre, Hanley, is an unmissable theatrical event. With its extraordinary puppetry, heartfelt performances, and poignant storytelling, it is a show that will leave audiences both emotionally drained and deeply moved. Whether you're familiar with the novel or new to the story, this production will captivate you, reaffirming the power of theatre to touch the soul. It’s a true triumph in every sense, and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through live performance.

Please go and see it before it ends on Saturday 8th March. For tickets please be quick as they are selling fast visit War Horse Tickets | Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent in Stoke-on-Trent | ATG Tickets.