Life-sized War Horse puppet visits Robin Hood statue as iconic play in Nottingham announced

Video: Kate Chaplin met the War Horse and some of the cast that will be performing

A life-sized War Horse puppet has visited the Robin Hood statue outside Nottingham Castle as an iconic play has announced a Nottingham date.

The play, based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, will be at the Royal Concert Hall from March 14 2018 until April 7 2018 as part of a UK tour.

War Horse is the story of a young boy called Albert and his beloved horse Joey who has been requisitioned to fight for the British in World War I.

Caught in enemy crossfire, Joey ends up serving on both sides during the war before landing in No Man’s Land while Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a mission to find his horse and bring him home.

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War Horse launch (Picture: Whitefoot Photography)

Michael Morpurgo said: “After a few months rest, out at pasture, Joey the War Horse and his great team from the National Theatre will be touring the UK again from 2017 through to 2018 and the centenary of the end of the First World War.

“The NT will be taking their show all over the country, to towns and cities, many of them places War Horse has not been seen before.

“I am so pleased this is happening; that so many more people will have the chance to enjoy this unique theatrical event.”

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War Horse Joey at Robin Hood statue (Picture: Whitefoot Photography)

War Horse has been seen by more than seven million people worldwide since its premiere at the National Theatre in 2007.

It has had runs in Broadway, Canada, Australia, Holland, Belgium, South Africa and China and has won 25 awards including the Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway.

Producer of War Horse Kash Bennett hopes the magic will rub off during its stint in Nottingham.

She said: “We hope that today, with Joey’s appearance in the city, we can bring people in Nottingham a taste of the theatrical magic and artistry that audiences can look forward to with this very special show.”