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Overview

Synopsis

In 1912, a young foal is sold at auction. He quickly develops a friendship with Albert, the teen who trains him and names him Joey. But only a few years later, the Great War erupts on the European continent, and Joey is sold into the British army. Over the next four years, Joey serves first the British army, and then the German regiments. At the same time, Albert is desperately trying to find his horse, even enlisting in the army to do so. A story of loyalty and bravery, Nick Stafford’s War Horse (based on Michael Morpugo’s 1982 novel) is a striking tale that honors the bonds between man and animal.

Show Information

Based on the Play/Book/Film
The novel War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2007
Genres
Drama, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
England, France, 1912-1918
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
See CONTEXT AND/OR LINKS TAB
Ideal For
Large Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Adult, Late Teen, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Child, Early Teen Characters

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Joey (3)

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Albert Narracott

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Ted Narracott

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Topthorn (3)

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Rose Narracott

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Major Nicholls

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Arthur Warren

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Ned Warren

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Captain Stewart

Supporting

Male

Friedrich Muller

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Chapman Carter

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Sergeant Greig

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Sergeant Bone

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Sergeant Thunder

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

David Taylor

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Lance Corporal Karl

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Doctor Schweyk

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Paulette

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Emilie

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Sergeant Fine

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Rudi

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Geordie

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Manfred

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Veterinary Officer Martin

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Horses (3-12)

Supporting

Either Gender

Non-singer

Veterinary Officer Bright

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Stein

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Colonel Strauss

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Sergeant Klebb

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Sentry Shaw

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Schmidt

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Ludwig

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Major Callaghan

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Villagers, Soldiers

Ensemble

Either Gender

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    The embodiment of intentions through actions; also one of the primary elements of visual design that helps determine how a costume will move with an actor.

    Sources that provide firsthand evidence or testimony about a topic.

    Visually striking and impactful elements of a performance.

    Also called "The Great War," a conflict between the Central Powers (including Germany and the Austria-Hungary Empire, among others) against the Allied Powers (including England, France, the United States, and others). The war began with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914, and lasted until the Armistice of November 11, 1918.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress