A person stands beside a horse, both facing the camera, against a blurred outdoor background.

War Horse

Venue

National Theatre

At the outbreak of the First World War, young Albert’s beloved horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Too young to enlist, Albert refuses to forget him, embarking on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of wartime France – determined to bring Joey home.

Based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, War Horse is a timeless story of love, courage and friendship, brought to life by astonishing life-sized horses from Handspring Puppet Company and a stirring musical score.

Following a sell-out national tour, the Tony Award–winning global sensation returns to where it all began, nearly two decades after its debut at the National Theatre.

Closing

30/07/2026

Running Time

2h40, inc. interval

Genre

Drama

Age & Content

10+

Please Note:

This production contains loud sound effects, flashing lights, haze and strobe lighting.

To book access tickets:

Captioned Performance

Captioned

Captioning provided by Stagetext

14 July 2026

7:30pm

28 July 2026

7:30pm

Sign Language Interpreted

British Sign Language

22 July 2026

7:30pm

Audio Described Performance

Audio Described

Audio Description provided by Audio Description provided in-house

24 July 2026

7:30pm

(Touch Tour) 6pm

Frequently asked questions

War Horse is playing at National Theatre in London. Your ticket selection will show available performance dates and times, and you can book securely online via Official London Theatre. For the smoothest experience, pick a performance from the calendar and book early for popular dates.
At the outbreak of the First World War, young Albert’s beloved horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France.
The running time for War Horse is 2h40, inc. interval. Duration can occasionally vary slightly by performance, but this is the listed length for the production.
War Horse is recommended for ages 10+. If you’re bringing younger theatregoers, it’s worth considering themes and attention span alongside the age guidance. Some venues also have their own admission policies, so it can help to double-check requirements before you travel.
War Horse opens on 16th May 2026 and is currently scheduled to run until 30th July 2026. If you’re planning a trip or booking for a specific week, check the performance calendar for dates and availability, as popular performances can sell faster closer to the run.
You can buy tickets for War Horse online through Official London Theatre. Choose your preferred performance in the calendar, select seats if available, and complete your purchase securely.
There isn’t a strict dress code for London theatre, so wear whatever you’ll feel comfortable and confident in. Most people go for smart casual - think jeans or trousers with a nice top, a casual dress, or a shirt and trainers. If you’re heading to an evening show, on a date, or celebrating something, you might fancy dressing up a bit more, but it’s completely optional.
Arriving at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time helps keep things smooth and stress-free, giving you plenty of time to collect tickets, go through security, and get settled in your seat before the performance begins.