It could be the job interview of their lives, and they did not disappoint.

Theatre trip: Stephen Spielberg has bought the rights to War Horse

Steven Spielberg, who has bought the film rights to War Horse, was bowled over by the West End hit last night.

At stake was the possibility that some of the actors could find themselves in a Hollywood production.

Leaving the New London Theatre, where the Queen and Prince Philip have seen the play, Spielberg said: “I loved it. I thought it was great.”

Earlier he joined the cast and crew on stage to congratulate them on the award-winning show which started as a sell-out National Theatre production.

Based on the children's book by Michael Morpurgo, the play uses life-size puppets to bring to life Joey, a horse that is shipped to the battlefields of the First World War.

Company manager Charles Evans said: “For every actor, Steven Spielberg is a very important [potential] employer. He hugely enjoyed it. He was very surprised by the skill of the puppeteers.” Spielberg saw the show with wife Kate Capshaw and Kathleen Kennedy, his producer on films including ET and Jurassic Park.

Company member Toby Olié posted on Twitter: “Holy Moly!! We all just met Steven Spielberg who watched tonight!”. Spielberg has not revealed details about the film version or whether he plans to direct it.