Theatre Review: War Horse at the Bristol Hippodrome

War Horse

Where: Bristol Hippodrome

Dates: Tuesday 3rd June – Saturday 21st June 2025

Timing: 2 hours 40 minutes (with a 20-minute interval)

Rating: ★★★★★

“War Horse will leave you chomping at the bit for more.”

Currently on its UK and Ireland tour, War Horse has been gathering five-star reviews like medals of honour, and after finally seeing it for myself, I can say I’ve been chomping at the bit for good reason.

Adapted by Nick Stafford for the National Theatre, Michael Morpurgo’s novel is brought to life on stage with the help of the award-winning Handspring Puppet Company – the very production of War Horse playing a key role in cementing their reputation as one of the world’s most influential puppet companies.

This powerful story takes us from the quiet fields of rural Devon to the brutal trenches of World War I France, following the heartfelt journey of a young boy named Albert and his cherished horse, Joey. When Joey is sent to the front as part of the war effort, Albert sets out on a courageous mission to bring him home.

And the verdict? War Horse is, without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary productions I’ve ever seen. Director Tom Morris and Revival Director Katie Henry have created something truly remarkable – every element was exceptional. The production is totally immersive; sound echoed from all directions, performers sang from the boxes, and soldiers climbed from the trenches in the stalls up onto the no man’s land of the stage. We weren’t just watching the war unfold, we were in it.

Albert was played by the incredibly talented Tom Sturgess, who bought a quiet strength and vulnerability to Albert. The connection Sturgess portrayed between himself and Joey was mesmerising to watch and felt so deep rooted. Sally Swanson, the Scottish actor and musician who provided the show’s musical narration, was also outstanding. Her eerie folk songs gave the show an aching soul, and when the entire cast joined in, the effect was truly overcoming.

What’s most astonishing is how quickly you forget the animals are puppets. Watching War Horse is a masterclass in movement. At the heart of Handspring’s philosophy is a focus on breath and micro-movement – it’s the very foundation of their puppetry, and it’s evident in every moment on stage. Each twitch of an ear, flick of a tail, or trembling breath felt so true to life that these skeletal constructions of cane and fabric became living creatures before our eyes.

The transitions are equally remarkable. Joey’s transformation from foal to full-grown horse was executed with such seamless precision it drew audible gasps from the audience. In one especially poignant moment, as a horse passed away and the puppeteers quietly stepped back, it felt as though its soul had truly departed the stage. The puppeteers are astonishingly skilled, not only animating the creatures but voicing them too, adding yet another layer of realism to this extraordinary production.

I wasn’t prepared for how intense and emotional the journey would be. There were countless moments that left me with goosebumps and tears in my eyes. A scene I’ll never forget is the cavalry’s first charge in France, with our Joey leading the charge. As the soldiers were thrown from their horses in slow motion, the horror of war hit with full force. Lighting, sound, and stagecraft combined with such precision made us feel like we were right there, in the midst of it.

The set remained largely unchanged throughout, but with clever props and a storybook-style projection, it adapted seamlessly to each scene. This pared-back approach gave space for the performers and story to shine, while keeping the narrative grounded and clear. Lighting, sound design, and smoke effects worked in unison to build atmosphere and push the action forward. Spotlights and shifting audio cues allowed us to move effortlessly between scenes and perspectives.

Language added another fascinating layer. Though all characters, German, French, and English, spoke in English for our understanding, the performers skilfully conveyed miscommunication through physicality and performance, underlining the emotional and cultural divides of war in subtle but powerful ways.

Humour was also thoughtfully woven into the story. A clear crowd favourite was the mischievous goose, whose comic antics brought welcome moments of lightness amid the intensity.

Despite its relatively long running time, it still didn’t feel long enough. And as the curtain fell, a standing ovation erupted. War Horse isn’t just a theatrical production; it’s an emotional experience I’ll carry with me for a long time. I feel privileged to have witnessed it.

To experience War Horse for yourself, head to www.atgtickets.com to book tickets.