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The National Theatre’s multi-award-winning production of War Horse is returning to where it all started 20 years ago.

Based on Michael Morpurgo’s bestselling novel, War Horse is heading home this year, playing the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre from 16 May to 30 July 2026.

The return of War Horse to the National is ahead of the show’s 20th anniversary in 2027.

The success of War Horse: It is hard to overstate quite how successful War Horse has been for the National Theatre. The show has won more than 25 major awards – including the Tony Award for Best Play – and has been seen by over 8.8 million people worldwide. Bringing it home ahead of the 20th anniversary, to the epic Olivier Theatre space where it was born, marks a great achievement for the production, and the National as a whole.

Adapted by Nick Stafford, and originally directed by Marianne Elliott (Sunday in the Park with George, Company) and Tom Morris (Dr Semmelweis), this production will see Tom Morris and revival director Katie Henry take the reins.

Casting for the show is to be announced.

The wider creative team for War Horse includes set and costume design by Rae Smith (The Importance of Being Earnest) and groundbreaking puppetry by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company.

War Horse recently toured the UK and Ireland.

War Horse – Plan Your Visit

  • Theatre: Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre, London
  • Booking dates: 16 May to 30 July 2026
  • Performance schedule: To be confirmed
  • Running time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)
  • Age range: Recommended for ages 10+
  • Tickets: Sign up for booking alerts on our official War Horse Show Hub âžž
Sign-up for booking alerts, offers & news about War Horse and other shows:
Main photo: War Horse Tour. Tom Sturgess as Albert Narracott, Matthew Lawrence, Rafe Young, Felicity Donnelly as Joey.Photo by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

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