Taking a break from daily shows at New Theatre Oxford, 'Albert' (Tom Sturgess) and his beloved horse ‘Joey’ went to experience the manifold delights of Christmas at Blenheim including the magical Light Trail, the Peter Pan-themed interiors and for the first time this year, The Great Skate.
Thomas Goodridge, one of the magnificent team who bring Joey (and his equine friend Topthorn) to life in the play, commented: “What an absolute joy it is to be able to tell Joey and Topthorn's story again, especially here in Oxford. It was particularly magical to have had Joey out at Blenheim Palace, strutting around the grounds during this beautiful time of year, the festive season. The show has gone from strength to strength over the years since I joined the original team at the National Theatre in 2007 and then again in the West End in 2010, and I'm so grateful to still be a part of that history. Long may it continue and what a joyous occasion it is”.
The internationally acclaimed production of War Horse, based on the much-loved novel by Sir Michael Morpurgo, started its festive run at New Theatre on 10 December and performances extend all the way through Christmas and New Year until Saturday 4 January. Adapted by Nick Stafford, War Horse has become the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre, winning more than 25 major awards and has been seen by over 8.3 million people worldwide.
It tells the remarkable story of a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War. This powerfully moving and inventively staged show is filled with stirring music and songs and features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company. It is no overstatement to say it has inspired a generation of theatre-makers since its premiere in 2007.
This tour marks 110 years since the start of the First World War and follows the 40th anniversary of the publication of the best-selling novel. Sir Michael Morpugo was recently interviewed by Vicky Edwards who asked:
What did you think when you saw the First Night of the original production of War Horse?
I realised that the team had created something magical. It was wonderful; history being told supremely well, but also the frailty, idiocy and the joy of humanity.
Have you ever appeared in the play?
I have been permitted to make an occasional appearance as a farmer in the horse fair scene. I was terribly worried about remembering when to say my line, so the first time I did it the actor playing the auctioneer reminded me. All I had to say was ‘Seven Guineas.’ When it was my turn to speak he prompted me, saying “And Mr Morpurgo, are you bidding or just standing there, sir?” I came in immediately with my ‘Seven Guineas’! The team spirit of actors is wonderful. They let me keep one item of costume from each appearance, so I have a full farmer’s costume circa. 1913 hanging in my cupboard!
How did the war affect you?
I was aware, very early on in life, of the damage that war did. After the war the country was in shock. The divorce rate multiplied by four and my family was one of these. I was a war baby who grew out of the war with the taint of it still there and unexplained.
What’s the story about you and Roald Dahl?
War Horse was once shortlisted for an award. Roald Dahl was chairman of judges. I didn’t win and he told warhorseonstage.comwarhorseonstage.com me that children didn’t like history. Fortunately, he was wrong!
War Horse is at New Theatre Oxford until Saturday 4 January 2025. Tickets are still available but are selling fast. For bookings and further information visit warhorseonstage.com or atgtickets.com
Age Recommendation: 10+
Photography by Ed Nix (ednix.co.uk)
