War Horse Gallops onto the Australian Stage
War Horse, labelled a "Landmark Theatre Event" by Time Magazine USA, with its magnificent, life-sized puppets, is touring Australia this December. Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will host the production, presented by The National Theatre of Great Britain & Global Creatures. The puppets in War Horse were created by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company (based in Cape Town) who bring "breathing, galloping, charging horses to life on the stage, their flanks, hides and sinews built of steel, leather and aircraft cables".
Steven Spielberg saw the show at the National Theatre and turned it into a film (which was nominated for six Academy Awards). The Show, and in turn film, were based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo. It's a great read and does what Morpurgo does best and tugs at your heart strings, with a central character weaving in and out of intertwined stories and lives, coming full circle at the end.
We follow the story of the horse Joey, broken in by a young farmer's son by the name of Albert and sold to the cavalry at the outbreak of WW1. Both horse and young man embark on extraordinary journeys, made all the more remarkable by the work of the puppeteers who hold the audience spellbound.
The World Tour takes in America, Canada, Germany, the UK & Ireland, Australia & NZ, captivating audiences around the globe. To read more about the creative talents of the many people who have been a part of the War Horse story, whether in book, stage show or movie form, click here. There's also an interactive world map featuring original wartime footage concerning the role of the horse in WW1 here. Having lived in South Africa I was interested to watch the video of the puppet makers. Check it out here.
The Melbourne season at the Arts Centre runs from 23 December, 2012 to 3 March, 2013. The premiere is on New Year's Eve and includes a party, view of fireworks, drinks and canapés (package costs $350 – click here for more info). Previews are 23 Dec to 30 Dec, 2012. Ticket prices are: $79.90 - $129.90 (there is also a fee for credit card bookings). To book click here.
Approximate runtime is 2 hrs 15 mins with a 20 minute interval. Evening performances start at 7.30pm, with afternoon performances on Wed (1pm), Sat (2pm) & Sun (3pm). For parking information, click here.
From Melbourne, War Horse will travel to Sydney in March 2013. The Sydney season at the Sydney Lyric Theatre begins in March, 2013, with previews starting on the 16th, opening night on 21 March and performances through to 28 April. Ticket prices are: $89.90 - $134.90 (there is also a Handling Fee from $7.75 per transaction). To book, click here.
Approximate runtime is 2 hrs 15 mins with a 20 minute interval. Evening performances start at 7.30pm, with afternoon performances on Wed (1pm), Sat (2pm) & Sun (3pm). For transport information, click here.
The final leg of the Australian tour is in Brisbane, at The Lyric Theatre, QPAC, from 6 – 21 July, 2013. Ticket prices are: $69.90 - $132.90 ($5.95 fee per transaction). Bookings can be made here. Approximate runtime is 2 hrs 15 mins with a 20 minute interval. Evening performances start at 7.30pm, with afternoon performances on Wed (1pm), Sat (2pm) & Sun (3pm). For parking information, click here. The Lyric Theatre is located on the Melbourne Street/riverside corner of QPAC. Enter from the Melbourne Street entrance (Level 1 Stalls or Level 2 for Balconies 1 and 2).
PS: Forewarned is forearmed - War Horse is a genuine tearjerker so take some tissues.
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