Reviewed by Amanda Browne
Milton Keynes would be one of my favourite theatres, easy to find, surrounded by bars and restaurants with good parking it’s a good venue for a show. I went along tonight to see War Horse on its opening night, certainly a show on my bucket list.
It was an almost ethereal opening scene with the young foal Joey. It gave me goosebumps. The story is based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo, and if you haven’t read the book or seen the movie, I won’t entirely spoil the plot.
Having been to Milton Keynes many times, I have never seen the stage so devoid of scenery, that said it worked. With a mainly black backdrop to the whole show, there was a strip of animated scenery across the back of the stage which gave life and graphics to the story. It’s a harrowing tale of war that pairs man with horses.
The horses are surreal, amazing, life like, alive, outstanding, fantastic. All credit to the three guys or gals on each horse. Each whinny or movement is fascinating. The horses are the show and quite rightly so. They are so graceful so entrancing.
The story is not just one of a man and his horse but of friendship and loyalty. The show is a journey for all, of teamwork and survival. Albert is the young man who builds not just a friendship but a relationship built on trust with Joey. Their journey through life, took them through a war, but stayed strong and they found each other despite great challenges. This show is something entirely different to the norm, it’s fascinating, dramatic, challenging, emotional. The whole cast was outstanding. Well done everyone involved, loved the live Bugler amongst the audience. An emotional evening. Be prepared. Be amazed.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £22.40 to £66.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
War Horse is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 19 September to 6 October 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ
