Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip took time out from engagements of state yesterday to enjoy a night out in London’s West End, attending a performance of the innovative and acclaimed First World War drama War Horse.
The show, whose use of life-sized puppets and design won it two Laurence Olivier Awards in 2008, received a standing ovation from the packed auditorium, which also acknowledged the presence of the regal couple.
Nick Stafford’s stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel was first seen at the National Theatre in 2007, where it proved so popular the theatre revived it in 2008 before transferring the show to the New London theatre earlier this year.
Set during the First World War, the show tells the story of Albert Narracott who, when his horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France, enlists in the army so that he can find his friend. As Albert searches for his four-legged friend, Joey finds himself working for both sides before arriving alone in no man’s land.
War Horse’s royal audience is the latest accolade to add to the collection of awards it has amassed since first opening two years ago.
MA