First look at War Horse as rehearsal images are released

The National Theatre’s internationally acclaimed production of War Horse is galloping back to the Liverpool Empire Theatre from 8 – 19 April 2025. 

Based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, War Horse has captivated audiences worldwide, and now it’s your chance to witness the magic of this extraordinary show right here in our city.

Rehearsal images have just been released, giving a sneak peek into the phenomenal creativity that makes War Horse one of the most successful plays in theatre history.

Adapted by Nick Stafford and originally directed by the visionary duo Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, War Horse has won over 25 major awards, including the Tony Award for ‘Best Play,’ and has been seen by over 8.3 million people across the globe.

This tour 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 2 million copies world-wide and in 44 different languages. 

War Horse tells the remarkable story of a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War.

This powerfully moving and imaginative drama is a show of phenomenal inventiveness, filled with stirring music and songs, featuring ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing, galloping, charging, horses to thrilling life on stage and has inspired a generation of theatre-makers since its premiere in 2007. 

At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. 

Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

Since its world premiere at the National Theatre in 2007, the show has been a global phenomenon, playing in 97 cities across 14 countries, with productions on Broadway, in Toronto, Berlin, and beyond. 

To book your tickets to see War Horse at the Liverpool Empire click here.

For the latest news around the city click here.