War Horse

At last I know what all the fuss is about.  I caught an Encore Live Screening at the Everyman of the NT's great hit yesterday, and was swept up in this great tale of Joey the horse and Arthur Narracott in the trenches of the war. It must have all been said: the simple but beautiful lighting, clear staging, thrilling ensembles and powerful characterisation, evocative music, the blend of comedy and tragedy, the irresistible pathos, the pity of war. And those extraordinary puppets which take on life before you, twitching and snorting and rearing. Their handlers (is that the word) simply become invisible as you believe in the living breathing animal they put before you. Surely never has the Olivier's vast stage been so effectively used, taking us from the farmland of Devon to the No Man's Land of France. Notes to take away: these screenings do make it clear the huge energy of proper voice projection, and area where we must raise our game here. And though South Africa's Handspring Puppet company are I imagine beyond my budget, and their great creations probably beyond our means, I'm  yearning to see puppetry introduced in sour school theatre. A rare and precious art form with a dramatic spell all its own.