War Horse at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

A captivating triumph-War Horse at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham…

I had the absolute pleasure of attending War Horse with my 10-year-old son—and I can safely say we were both utterly captivated from beginning to end. This heart-stirring tale of courage, loyalty, and triumph had the entire audience gripped with emotion and energy that pulsed through the theatre from curtain up to final bow.

The standout performance of the evening came from Owen Dognall as Albert. His portrayal was nothing short of stunning—raw, heartfelt, and completely immersive. Dognall carried the emotional weight of the story with remarkable poise, drawing us deep into Albert’s journey with Joey, his beloved horse.

But the true magic of War Horse lies in the extraordinary puppetry that brings the horses to life. Operated entirely by hand—without a single electronic component—the puppeteers’ skill is nothing short of masterful. From the flicking ears to the swishing tails, and even the gentle rise and fall of breathing, Joey and Topthorn were so lifelike it was easy to forget they weren’t real animals.

What’s even more remarkable is the sheer physical demand on the puppeteers. In a theatre without air conditioning and during a sweltering 32°C afternoon, they manoeuvred the 70kg horse puppets—sometimes also carrying a 70kg rider—with seamless precision and grace. Their strength and endurance were awe-inspiring, and a testament to their training: a rigorous two-week intensive course followed by 6–8 weeks of rehearsals, all culminating in what can only be described as a flawless execution.

Special credit to the teams behind Joey and Topthorn:

Joey – Head: Tom Quinn, Heart: Lewis McBean and Hind: Michael Larcombe

Topthorn – Head: Tea Poldervaart, Heart: Robin Hayward and Hind: Gun Suen

Their chemistry and coordination brought these magnificent creatures to life in a way that was both technically breathtaking and emotionally moving.

War Horse is not just a theatrical performance—it’s an unforgettable experience. One that leaves you moved, uplifted, and in awe of the power of storytelling. Whether you’re 10 or 100, this show will stay with you long after the lights dim.

📍 War Horse is running at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham from Thursday 10 July to Saturday 19 July 2025.

🎟️ Tickets available here: Book War Horse

👉 If you get the chance, you must go and see it—this is a theatrical experience not to be missed.