Imagine sitting in a grand hall, the lights dimming not for a play, but for something uniquely immersive. The air fills with the soaring notes of a live orchestra as the author of a beloved story steps onto the stage to narrate his own powerful words. This is the magic of War Horse: The Story in Concert, a breathtaking event that brings Michael Morpurgo’s classic novel to life in a way that transcends the page and the stage. It’s an emotional journey that combines the power of storytelling, the majesty of orchestral music, and the enduring tale of a horse named Joey, creating an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
This concert format strips the story down to its most essential elements: the heart-wrenching narrative and the evocative musical score. It offers a fresh perspective on a familiar tale, allowing the audience’s imagination to paint the scenes of Devon’s fields and the battlegrounds of World War I, guided by Morpurgo’s own voice and a wave of stunning symphonic sound. The result is a deeply personal and profoundly moving theatrical event. This is not just a retelling; it is an invitation to feel the story’s pulse, beat by beat, note by note, as explored in the war horse story in concert.
What Makes This Concert a Unique Event?
War Horse: The Story in Concert is not the award-winning National Theatre play famous for its life-sized puppets, nor is it the cinematic epic directed by Steven Spielberg. It is a distinct artistic creation that marries literature and music in their purest forms. The performance typically features the author, Michael Morpurgo, himself, often joined by other esteemed actors like Joanna Lumley, reading an abridged version of his novel. This direct narration from the creator adds a layer of authenticity and intimacy that is simply captivating.
The narrative is supported by a full orchestra, such as the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, performing the original score composed by Adrian Sutton and John Tams for the stage production. The music is more than just background; it is a character in itself. It swells with the joys of Joey’s early life with young Albert, crashes with the terror of the battlefield, and aches with the sorrow of separation. Without sets or puppetry, the music and words carry the full weight of the narrative, demanding the audience’s complete emotional and imaginative engagement. It’s a format that proves that sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones we picture in our own minds.
The Enduring Story of Joey and Albert
At its core, the story remains the same timeless tale that has captured hearts for over four decades. First published in 1982, War Horse is told from the perspective of Joey, a spirited Devon farm horse. He is bought by the army and thrust into the brutal chaos of the Western Front during World War I. Joey’s journey is one of incredible hardship and resilience. He serves on both the British and German sides, witnessing the horrors of war but also inspiring moments of courage and humanity among the soldiers he encounters.
Meanwhile, Albert, the young boy who raised and loved him, cannot forget his promise to find his horse. Though not yet old enough to enlist, he embarks on his own perilous mission to be reunited with Joey. It’s a profound narrative about the unbreakable bond of friendship, loyalty in the face of adversity, and the senseless tragedy of conflict. As cultural historian Dr. Eleanor Vance notes, “The story’s genius lies in its perspective. By telling the story through a horse’s eyes, Morpurgo removes political bias, showing the universal suffering and shared humanity on both sides of the trenches. The horse becomes a symbol of innocence caught in a human-made catastrophe.”
The Power of a Live Orchestral Score
The music, composed by Adrian Sutton with songs by John Tams, is the emotional engine of War Horse: The Story in Concert. Having a live orchestra perform this score adds a visceral, cinematic quality to the experience. Each note is designed to evoke a specific feeling, from the idyllic folk melodies of the English countryside to the dissonant, thundering percussion that simulates the roar of battle.
The themes are interwoven with the narrative, creating a seamless and powerful tapestry of sound and story. The “Songman,” a role from the original play often filled by a vocalist like Ben Murray, performs folk songs that provide commentary and emotional depth, acting as a voice for the soldiers and the land they left behind. The experience is similar to watching a film with a live orchestra, where the music’s physical presence in the room amplifies every moment of tension, joy, and heartbreak. This concert is a testament to how music can tell a story, conveying emotions that words alone cannot express, a theme that resonates in other epic tales like those found in the story of the 12 strong the declassified story of the horse soldiers.
A New Way to Experience a Classic
For those who have read the book, seen the play, or watched the film, War Horse: The Story in Concert offers a fresh and deeply emotional interpretation. It focuses the audience’s attention on the sheer beauty of Morpurgo’s prose and the intricate power of Sutton’s score. The performance often includes projected illustrations by Rae Smith, the acclaimed designer from the stage production, which add a subtle visual layer without distracting from the oral and auditory experience.
This format is particularly powerful because it strips away everything but the narrative’s core. It relies on the audience to become active participants, using their imagination to build the world of Joey and Albert. The story becomes more personal, more intimate. It’s an event that highlights the timeless art of storytelling itself, reminding us that a well-told tale accompanied by beautiful music can be just as immersive and spectacular as any blockbuster production. It transforms a familiar narrative into something that feels both classic and brand new.
For many, this concert is more than just entertainment; it’s a shared emotional event. It connects with deep themes of loyalty and the tragedy of war in a way that is both grand and deeply personal. It’s a narrative structure that creates a powerful bond between the performers and the audience, much like the bond between a rider and his steed in a high-stakes competition, a concept that might feel familiar to those who follow stories like the bedtime story horse next race.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is this different from the ‘War Horse’ play?
The main difference is the format. The stage play, developed by the National Theatre, is a full theatrical production famous for its groundbreaking use of life-sized horse puppets. War Horse: The Story in Concert is a concert performance featuring narration from the book, read by the author or actors, accompanied by a live orchestra and sometimes projected illustrations. It focuses on the text and music rather than puppetry and acting.
Do I need to have read the book to enjoy the concert?
Not at all. The concert is designed to be a complete, self-contained experience. The narration tells the entire story from beginning to end, so you will be able to follow Joey and Albert’s journey perfectly, even if you are unfamiliar with the book or film.
Is the concert suitable for children?
The story is set during World War I and deals with themes of war, loss, and animal suffering, which can be intense. It is generally considered suitable for older children (ages 9+), but parental discretion is advised. The emotional depth and concert format may be better appreciated by a slightly more mature audience.
Who is Michael Morpurgo?
Sir Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain’s most beloved authors for children and young adults. He served as the Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005 and has written over 130 books. War Horse is his most famous work, catapulting him to international fame and solidifying his reputation as a master storyteller.
What is the music like in the concert?
The score, by Adrian Sutton, is a rich orchestral suite that combines sweeping, cinematic themes with traditional English folk melodies. The music is highly emotive and plays a crucial role in conveying the story’s drama and emotion. It is a powerful piece of contemporary classical music that perfectly complements the narrative.
A Story That Continues to Inspire
War Horse: The Story in Concert is a powerful testament to the enduring magic of a great story. It proves that a compelling narrative, paired with soul-stirring music, can create a theatrical experience as vivid and unforgettable as any fully staged production. By stripping the tale down to its essence—the words of its creator and the music that gives it flight—this concert allows us to connect with the journey of Joey and Albert on a deeply personal level. It is an emotional, sophisticated, and ultimately uplifting event that reminds us of the power of friendship, the resilience of hope, and the profound impact of a well-told story. For anyone looking to experience this classic tale in a new and powerful way, the War Horse: The Story in Concert is an absolute must-see.
