WAR HORSE COMES TO GLASGOW

This is the first time the National Theatre‘s production of War Horse has been in Glasgow. It will run at the SEC from 15th Jan to 2nd Feb. It is a story about a boy called Albert and his horse Joey during the first World War, and it’s the most successful play in the National Theatre’s history, having played around the world since 2007 and won many awards.

I spoke with Puppetry Director Matthew Forbes, about the show – which features twenty-three puppets, as well as the star Joey. Joey is made from wood and gauze, and is operated by three men. Matt used to be one of them and was the operator of the horse’s head in over 1000 shows before being asked to join the creative team.

Matt says it’s important to share this story, because horses were so critical to our lives back in the days of World War 1, and fought in battle with us. He says it is important that we remember our connection to animals, and our love for them.

The horse moves realistically, and even breathes. “Breathing is what makes it real” says Matt. “You start to think of them as real animals very quickly after you start working with them.” The horse noises are made by the three people who operate him. “A horse’s lung capacity is the same as three humans, and three humans operate it so they make the horse noises.” It also trots, and rears up and moves its head and ears so you get the impression it is looking around and hearing things.

The team took Joey to the Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow (the one with the cone) and “the public went mad for him” says Matt.

War Horse is based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo and was adapted by Nick Stafford. It is directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, and was made in association with Handspring Puppet Company.