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Children's hit drama War Horse charges into West End
Louise Jury, Chief Arts Correspondent18.12.08
THE National Theatre's award-winning production of War Horse is transferring to the West End.
Overwhelming public demand has prompted the move to the New London Theatre - formerly home to Cats - at the end of March.
The transfer takes place within days of its second season ending at the Olivier theatre. The last tickets to go on sale there were snapped up at the rate of an auditorium and a half a day.
The show is the latest in a string of unusual hits for the National, such as Coram Boy, about the London foundling hospital.
Based on the children's novel by Michael Morpurgo, War Horse tells the story of a young animal sold to the cavalry and shipped to France to take part in the First World War. The real stars are the cane-framed horses brought to life by puppeteers.
It has enchanted audiences and wowed critics. The Daily Telegraph said it was "one of the most powerfully moving and imaginative productions of the year, whatever age you happen to be". The Evening Standard described it as "a fine, lyrical, emotionally charged piece of theatrical work".
Nick Starr, the National's executive director, said: "The undertaking is huge because there are so many people, 34, on stage. But [the move] was a completely obvious thing to do when you look at the audience demand.
"In terms of popularity, it feels like [Alan Bennett's] History Boys - if not a bit more. It is magical and within two minutes people really believe they are watching horses."
The early closure this week of Imagine This, the Holocaust musical, meant the New London Theatre was vacant. It is similar in size and shape to the National's Olivier and with 1,040 seats holds nearly as many as people.
The financial risk is contained by transferring War Horse as quickly as possible at the end of its current run. And if it proves as successful in the West End as it has done in the Olivier, it could prove a useful boost to the National's coffers.
The deal is backed by National Angels, a group founded to help the theatre transfer its own shows without relying on commercial producers.
Top-price tickets at the New London will be £45, dearer than the National but reflecting the commercial hire of the venue. However, the cheapest seats will be £15.
Tickets go on sale today through the National with no administration charge. They will be available through the New London in future from a date to be confirmed. Previews start on 28 March and booking opens today for performances until 26 September. Mr Starr said it would run for as long as there was an audience.
