Michael Morpurgo visits The Lowry for return of War Horse production

The National Theatre’s multi-award winning production of War Horse is returning to the Lowry in Salford this September.

The production, which is based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, hits the Lowry from Wednesday September 18 until Saturday 28.

To mark the announcement, Michael Morpurgo and Joey visited The Lowry earlier today (February 7).

Author, Michael Morpurgo said: “I am so delighted the National Theatre’s iconic production of War Horse is back!  When Covid closed the show down in 2020 in Australia in the midst of its second World Tour, many thought, and I was amongst them, that we’d never see War Horse on stage again.  Now it’s really happening – we will hear the music and songs, be amazed by its design and lighting, live Joey’s story again.

“War Horse is about the tragedy of war and about a horse and his boy, but it’s also so many other things – it’s about family and community, courage and loss, hope, and most importantly reconciliation.”

War Horse is set to embark on a major 18-month UK Tour from 5 September 2024, touring through to 2026.

This tour of War Horse marks 110 years since the start of the First World War and follows the 40^th anniversary of the publication of Michael Morpurgo’s global best-selling novel, which has now sold over 35 million copies world-wide and in 37 different languages.

Director, Tom Morris said: “It is a huge privilege to be invited to revisit War Horse and to share this powerful story once more with audiences around the country.  Michael Morpurgo’s brilliant idea, to explore the crushing violence of war through the experience of a horse, makes his story as powerful and resonant today as it has ever been.”

Creative development for the tour is being led by Tom Morris with revival director Katie Henry, featuring reimagined designs by Rae Smith and additional music by Adrian Sutton.

Puppet design and fabrication is by Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company, lighting design is by Rob Casey, movement and horse choreography is by Toby Sedgwick with puppet direction by Matthew Forbes

For more information click here.

Featured image taken by Jason Lock.