The beloved story of a boy and his horse set against the harrowing backdrop of World War I has captured hearts for decades. Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse is a modern classic, a tale of unwavering loyalty that has transcended the page to become a theatrical phenomenon. But beyond the celebrated stage play lies a different, equally powerful experience: the War Horse Story In Concert. This unique presentation strips the narrative to its core, blending the author’s own words with a breathtaking orchestral score and the evocative magic of puppetry to create an unforgettable emotional journey. It’s a format that allows the music and the raw emotion of the text to take center stage, offering a new and profound way to connect with the tale of Joey, the horse who navigated the perils of war.
This concert is more than just a reading; it is a symphony of words and music. It invites the audience to not just witness the story, but to feel it through the soaring melodies of a live orchestra and the intimate, personal narration of the storyteller himself. For fans of the novel and newcomers alike, it’s an experience that highlights the timeless power of friendship and the enduring spirit of hope in the darkest of times.
What is the War Horse Story in Concert?
The War Horse story in concert is a unique performance that reimagines the epic tale through the power of music and narration. Unlike the full-scale National Theatre production, this format is a symphonic concert that places the musical score and the original text at the forefront. The performance typically features the author, Michael Morpurgo, and often a co-narrator like Joanna Lumley, reading the story live on stage. Their spoken words are woven into a live performance of Adrian Sutton’s magnificent score, played by a full orchestra such as the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
This distilled version focuses on the three core elements that make War Horse so special: Morpurgo’s poignant narrative, Sutton’s emotionally charged music, and the astonishing artistry of the Handspring Puppet Company. While the full cast of characters and elaborate sets of the play are absent, the concert brings the beloved horse, Joey, to life on stage through the presence of the iconic, life-sized puppet. This powerful combination creates an intimate and deeply moving experience, allowing the audience to visualize the fields of Devon and the trenches of France through the symphony of sound and the author’s own voice. It’s an immersive event that celebrates the story’s heart and soul in its purest form.
The Music That Breathes Life into Joey
At the very core of the War Horse story in concert is the stunning orchestral score composed by Adrian Sutton, with contributions from John Tams. Commissioned for the original National Theatre production in 2007, Sutton’s music is not mere background accompaniment; it is a character in its own right. It gives voice to Joey’s fears, his courage, and his deep bond with Albert. The score is a masterful work of narrative composition, guiding the audience through moments of pastoral peace, the chaos of battle, and the ultimate, heart-wrenching reunion.
In the concert setting, this music is finally given the spotlight it deserves. Performed live by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, the score swells to fill the hall, enveloping the audience in the story’s emotional landscape. Sutton himself describes his compositional style as having an “English’ sound,” with a tonal and melodic quality that perfectly captures the rural setting and the historical period. The music shifts from light-hearted, folk-inspired themes representing Joey’s youth in Devon to powerful, dramatic movements that convey the terror and scale of the war. Hearing this score performed live, unburdened by other theatrical elements, allows for a deeper appreciation of its complexity and its profound ability to tell a story without uttering a single word. It is, in essence, the soul of the performance.
Michael Morpurgo: The Storyteller at the Helm
A truly special element of the War Horse story in concert is the presence of the author himself, Michael Morpurgo, as the lead narrator. There is a unique power in hearing a story told by the person who created it. Morpurgo’s voice carries the weight of the history and personal encounters that first inspired him to write the novel nearly half a century ago. He has spoken of meeting World War I veterans in his village in Devon, including one who served with horses in the cavalry. These real-life conversations formed the bedrock of Joey’s journey, and when Morpurgo reads, he channels the authenticity of those memories.
His narration provides a direct, intimate connection to the emotional core of the story. He doesn’t just recite the words; he performs them with a quiet passion that draws the audience into Albert’s world. Paired with a co-narrator, the storytelling becomes a dynamic dialogue that brings the various characters and perspectives to life. This format, pairing the original text with the music it inspired, brings the creative process full circle. It is a rare opportunity to experience a beloved tale as envisioned by its creator, making the performance feel less like a show and more like a personal sharing of a story that continues to resonate deeply with audiences of all ages.
The Magic of Puppetry on the Concert Stage
While the music and narration are the pillars of the concert, the performance would not be complete without the breathtaking physical presence of Joey himself. The life-sized horse puppets, created by South Africa’s visionary Handspring Puppet Company, were the breakout stars of the stage play, and they retain all their magic in this concert adaptation. Manipulated by a team of skilled puppeteers, the intricate cane and fabric frame of Joey comes to life with astonishing realism. Every twitch of an ear, every stamp of a hoof, every powerful gallop feels utterly real.
In the concert setting, the puppets’ artistry is thrown into sharp relief. Against the backdrop of the orchestra, the silent performance of the puppeteers is a mesmerizing ballet of movement and emotion. They don’t just operate a puppet; they channel the spirit of the horse. This physical storytelling perfectly complements the narration and the score, providing a visual anchor for the audience’s imagination. Seeing Joey on stage, breathing, reacting, and enduring, creates a powerful empathetic connection. It is this tangible presence that transforms the War Horse story in concert from a simple reading into a fully realized, multi-sensory theatrical event, proving that the magic of these incredible puppets transcends any stage.
How is the Concert Different from the Stage Play?
Many people wonder how the War Horse story in concert compares to the world-renowned stage play. While both tell the same beloved story, they are fundamentally different experiences, each with its own unique strengths. The primary distinction lies in their focus. The stage play is a full theatrical production with a large cast of actors, intricate sets, and a complete dramatization of the novel’s plot. It is a visual spectacle that immerses the audience in a meticulously crafted world.
The concert, on the other hand, is a more focused and auditory experience. It strips away the large cast and sets to shine a spotlight on three key elements:
- The Score: Adrian Sutton’s music is the undisputed star of the concert, performed in its full glory by a live symphony orchestra.
- The Narration: The story is told directly through the words of Michael Morpurgo’s novel, read by the author himself, offering a pure and direct connection to the original text.
- The Puppetry: While the play features many puppets, the concert typically focuses on the central figure of Joey, allowing his physical performance to become a powerful centerpiece.
The result is a more intimate and emotionally direct performance. It relies on the audience’s imagination, fueled by the evocative power of the music and Morpurgo’s storytelling. Rather than watching the story unfold through actors, the audience hears and feels it, making for a profoundly personal and moving journey. It is not a replacement for the play but a powerful companion piece that offers a new and beautiful lens through which to experience Joey’s epic tale.
The Enduring Legacy of the War Horse Story
First published in 1982, War Horse was born from a simple desire to tell the story of the Great War from a new perspective—that of an innocent creature caught in the conflict. Michael Morpurgo’s novel gave voice to the millions of horses who served and died, framing the universal themes of friendship, loyalty, and the futility of war through the eyes of Joey. The story’s journey from a children’s book to a global theatrical hit and now to a celebrated concert performance is a testament to its timeless and universal appeal.
The War Horse story in concert is a beautiful new chapter in this legacy. It honors the story’s origins by placing Morpurgo’s own words at its heart while elevating the musical score that has become synonymous with the tale. This format proves that the core emotional truth of Joey and Albert’s bond is so strong that it can be powerfully conveyed through music and spoken word alone. It is a reminder that at its heart, War Horse is a story about the enduring power of connection in a world torn apart by conflict. This concert allows that message to be heard with stunning clarity, ensuring that the story of the brave horse from Devon will continue to inspire audiences for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the War Horse concert suitable for children?
The story deals with the mature themes of war and loss. It is generally considered suitable for older children, typically ages 10 and up, similar to the original book’s intended audience.
How long does the performance last?
The running time can vary slightly by production, but the concert performance typically lasts around two hours, including an intermission.
Who composed the music for War Horse?
The primary score was composed by Adrian Sutton for the National Theatre’s stage production, with folk song arrangements and contributions by John Tams. This is the music featured prominently in the concert.
Are the original puppets used in the concert?
Yes, the iconic life-sized puppets designed by the Handspring Puppet Company are used in the concert. The performance often centers on the main puppet, Joey, brought to life by a team of puppeteers.
Where can I see the War Horse story in concert?
Performances of the concert are special events that tour various concert halls. It is best to check official theatre and orchestra websites for announcements of upcoming dates and locations.
