November 22, 2012

WAR HORSE IN AUCKLAND  

by Adey Ramsel 

The show that The Times dubbed ‘the theatrical show of the decade’ is coming to Auckland, in August 2013. War Horse, produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain from the book by Michael Morpurgo, has been running in London’s West End since 2007 and on Broadway since last year. Along the way it has won a slew of awards from Tony’s to Oliviers.

The play tells the story of Joey, a horse, that is sold to the cavalry at the outbreak of World War 1. Albert, the boy who raised him from a foal, lies about his age and enlists in the army to try to bring Joey back.

The production has been highly praised for its puppetry of the horses and again, has won every award going for special effects.

The Auckland season of this production opens August 20th for a 4 week season at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre.

Production websites: www.warhorseonstage.com and www.warhorseaustralia.com

See also this from TheatreScenes:

Charge!!! – National Theatre’s War Horse coming to Auckland in 2013
[by James Wenley]

War Horse, adapted from the book by Michael Morpurgo, has been a mega-smash for The National Theatre of Great Britain since its debut in 2007. The story explores the universal suffering of World War One as seen through the eyes of Joey, one of the millions of horses who were taken on the battlefield. Up to a million horses perished during the conflict.

Currently playing in the West End, Broadway, Toronto, and a US Tour, War Horse comes to Auckland (after an Australian season) from August 20^th for 4 weeks at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre. 

Forget what you know about the film – a beautifully shot if schmaltzy affair from Spielberg – War Horse on stage is the real deal. I saw the play at the Lincoln Centre in New York last year, and it rates as one of my top theatre experiences. I am so thrilled I’ll get the opportunity to see the show once again. [More]