WAR HORSE AT THE WMC

Last night, we saw the National Theatre's production, War Horse, based on a novel by Michael Morpugo, and adapted by Nick Stafford, and performed in association with the Handspring Puppet Company at the Wales Milennium Centre. It was an extraordinary production with a fantastic set designed by Rae Smith, a female designer. The puppetry was dexterous and brilliant. If you don't know it, it tells the story of World War 1 from the point of view of the hero- a thoroughbred horse, called Joey who is sent to the Front.
Morpurgo writes in the programme,
'' We still mourn; but now with the benefit of longer hindsight, we see 'the futility' of it all, and 'the pity', as Wilfred Owen wrote. War Horse is not simply a show or a play about war, a horse, and a boy. It is an anthem for peace, and reflects,I think, a universal longing for a world without war."

Although over all I enjoyed it, especially the puppetry, singing and the effects, I did feel the script could have done with substantial editing. Some of the acting was mumbled or shouted and mannered. Germans were stereotyped and some performances over the top. (excuse the pun)  However, there were moments when I did feel engaged, especially at the end when Joey and his owner, the boy Alfred, find each other again. The theme tune lyrics have stayed with me. Something like, 'You will be judged by your actions.'
Wonder how it would go down in Gaza?

The production has been on at the WMC since 18 June and finishes 19 July.
 For further info: wmc.org.uk 029 2063 6464