The script for the National Theatre of Great Britain’s blockbuster play War Horse is pretty run-of-the-mill but the stage craft is absolutely dazzling, particularly the puppetry. In fact, the star of the show is without a doubt the horse Joey, who is so utterly convincing you react to him as if he’s real, even though you know full well that he’s not. Of everyone on stage, it is Joey who moves you most emotionally. In fact, like thousands before me, I have to admit I had tears running down my cheeks at the end, even though I’ve seen the play twice before.

War Horse at the New London Theatre. All photographs © Brinkhoff Mögenburg

War Horse is based on Michael Morpurgo’s 1982 children’s novel. When the National Theatre decided to adapt it for the stage, they enlisted South Africa’s award-winning Handspring Puppet Company and writer Nick Stafford. The production, directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, premiered in 2007 and was an instant hit, transferring to the West End and then the world. It was staged in Australia in 2013 with an Australian cast. Now the play returns here in a touring production...