Michael Morpurgo on the making of War Horse

The brand-new tour of the National Theatre’s War Horse is coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal for the first time later this month (Wed 10 – Sat 20 Sep 2025). Sir Michael Morpurgo, whose acclaimed novel inspired the smash-hit production, is in the hot seat…   

What did you think when you saw the first night of the original production of War Horse?

I realised that the team had created something magical. It was wonderful; history being told supremely well, but also the frailty, idiocy and the joy of humanity.

Have you ever appeared in the play?

I have been permitted to make an occasional appearance as a farmer in the horse fair scene.  I was terribly worried about remembering when to say my line, so the first time I did it the actor playing the auctioneer reminded me. All I had to say was ‘Seven Guineas.’ When it was my turn to speak he prompted me, saying “And Mr Morpurgo, are you bidding or just standing there, sir?”  I came in immediately with my ‘Seven Guineas’! The team spirit of actors is wonderful. They let me keep one item of costume from each appearance, so I have a full farmer’s costume circa. 1913 hanging in my cupboard!

How did Steven Spielberg come to make the film of War Horse?

He came to see the play because his daughter liked horses. That was lucky!

How did the war affect you?

I was aware, very early on in life, of the damage that war did. After the war the country was in shock.  The divorce rate multiplied by four and my family was one of these. I was a war baby who grew out of the war with the taint of it still there and unexplained.

What was your experience of being in the army?

I was reasonably good at it, but I couldn’t shoot to save my life – literally. But after a year I thought more about 1914 and the Christmas truce; the two sides coming out of the trenches, playing football and shaking hands. I thought this was how it should have ended, so I left the army on a point of principle.

Should people with a first edition of War Horse get excited?

When I wrote the book there was a small print run. It only sold about 800 copies. The play and film really improved sales, so if you have a first edition it could make you a fortune!

What’s the story about you and Roald Dahl?

War Horse was once shortlisted for an award. Roald Dahl was chairman of judges. I didn’t win and he told me that children didn’t like history. Fortunately, he was wrong!

How do you relax?
At 81 the motor wants to keep on running but you have to be careful you don’t run out of petrol. But to keep the creative spirit you have to stay close to the world around you. To relax, I walk. Mostly by the river Torridge where Tarka the Otter grew up, which is beautiful. I remember all the people I have done the walk with. As you get older memories become more important.

War Horse plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Wed 10 – Sat 20 Sep 2025. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.