Announcement: Mirvish Productions to bring War Horse with All-Canadian Cast

The National Theatre of Great Britain, National Angels, Bob Boyett and David Mirvish have announced the all-Canadian cast of the Canadian premiere production of the National Theatre of Great Britain’s Olivier and Tony Award-winning production War Horse. War Horse begins performances at the Princess of Wales Theatre on February 10th and opening night is February 28th, 2012.

War Horse is based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, and adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford in association with the Handspring Puppet Company. The show takes place at the beginning of World War I, when Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry. Joey faces enemy fire, and serves on both sides of the war before finding himself in No Man’s Land. Although not old enough to enlist, Albert embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring it home.

David Mirvish called it “something very, very special” at the press launch earlier today. The show brings together actors from across Canada, such as Alex Furber as Albert, Brad Rudy, Tamara Bernier-Evans (Mamma Mia!), Richard McMillan (The Boys in the Photograph, The Lion King), and Juno-Award winning singer Melanie Doane.

The cast also includes the life-sized horse puppets Joey and Topthorn, designed by Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones of the Handspring Puppet Company. Each is operated on stage by three actors – one performer on the outside of the puppet operating the head, and two more performers on the inside. The puppets are constructed of cane, wood, elastic, leather and wire and are lightweight, yet strong enough for actors to ride them. Each puppet is capable of various “micro-movements” like breathing, twitching its tail and moving its ears independently of one another.

Please visit Mirvish.com for more information.

Details: 

– Single tickets go on public sale on September 26, 2011.
– War Horse tickets are currently available through subscription – Mirvish subscriptions are now on sale at www. Mirvish.com or by phone at 416.593.4225 or 1.800.771.3933 between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm.
– War Horse begins its run on February 10, 2012

Photos by Simon Annand.