The Laurence Olivier Award-winning National Theatre production of War Horse, which trotted over to the West End’s New London theatre in March, has extended its booking period until February 2010.
The huge family hit released 150,000 new tickets today after an incredibly successful start to its West End tenure.
Nicholas Hytner, Director of the National Theatre, commented: “War Horse caught the imagination of audiences from its very first outing at the National, and I’m delighted that this astonishing production is engendering an equally heartfelt response from thousands of theatregoers in the West End.”
Based on Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel, War Horse uses headline-grabbing puppets to tell the story of Joey, a horse raised by young Albert Narracott, who is sold to the cavalry at the onset of the First World War and shipped to France. Soon in the thick of the action, Joey finds himself fighting for both sides while Albert cannot forget his equine friend so embarks on a dangerous mission to bring him home.
The production, directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, premiered at the National Theatre in the winter of 2007. After winning two Laurence Olivier Awards, for Best Theatre Choreographer and Best Set Design, it was revived in 2008 as the ‘mane’ attraction of the Olivier theatre’s winter season before cantering across to the West End.
Writer Morpurgo, who has made a cameo appearance in the production, added his congratulations, saying: “So, War Horse gallops on. I am so pleased for the National Theatre and for all those wonderful people concerned with this unique production and I am delighted that so many people want to be part of it.”
MA