War Horse – The Concert, with Michael Morpurgo

One of Britain’s best-loved storymakers, Michael Morpurgo presents words and music in our theatre for this very special concert in our tenth-anniversary year.

First published in 1982, War Horse has gone on to be a bestselling novel that has been adapted for the stage, in an award winning production by the National Theatre, and for the screen in a Steven Spielberg film.

Told from the perspective of a young farm horse Joey, it follows his story as he is taken from the fields of Devon to the Western Front and all the people he encounters along the way.Set in 1914, young Joey is sold to the British army and thrust into the midst of the war. With his officer, her charges towards the enemy, witnessing the horror of the frontline. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey’s courage touches the soldiers around him.

In this very special concert, Michael Morpurgo retells an abridged version of War Horse accompanied by Ben Murray with music and songs from the National Theatre production (which Ben also starred in as the Songman).

Michael was appointed Children’s Laureate in 2003, a post he helped to set up with Ted Hughes in 1999. He was then awarded an OBE in 2007 and a knighthood in 2018 for services to literature and charity. Michael has written over 150 books, including Private Peaceful, Kensuke’s Kingdom and War Horse.