Being honest there are very few productions which genuinely deserve the 'must see' tag, much beloved by reviewers, being awarded to them. But it would be criminal not to apply it to the National Theatre production of War Horse currently at The Lowry. If this production doesn't move you, you have the heart of a weasel.
Tom Sturgess as Albert Narracott with Joey in War Horse (Picture: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg) This compelling story takes you from an idyllic Devon village to the horrors of the Somme in the First World War told through the relationship between Albert Narracott and his horse Joey. Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, it's a great story to start with but in the hands of this company it takes on a whole new dimension. Be warned, your emotions will be taken through the mangle.
There are some genuinely comedic moments - a maniac goose and a potty-mouthed sergeant major are great value - but it's also harrowing, heartwarming and thought-provoking in equal measure. Even if you haven't seen the production, chances are you will be aware of the horses themselves - Joey and Thopthorn and baby Joey. Each are operated by a team of three.
For the production I saw they were Joey - Rianna Ash (head), Chris Milford (heart), Thomas Goodridge (hind); Topthorn - Matthew Lawrence (head), Rafe Young (heart), Felicity Donnelly (hind) and Baby Joey - Diany Samba-Bandza (head), Jordan Paris (heart), Eloise Beaumnt-Wood (hind) and it would be criminal if they didn't get a mention. What the.