INTERVIEW

Katie Henry

Revival director

This is my sixth year on War Horse. I started as assistant director on the West End version, then resident director, associate director on the last UK tour. I also went to China to work with their national theatre on the first Mandarin version. That was an incredible experience.

Jo Castleton

Actor, Rose

I play Albert’s mum and it’s a brilliant role. We were each given a section of research to investigate, which we presented to each other during the rehearsal period.

Adrian Sutton Music

The director had the idea that, because it’s about a journey from peaceful, idyllic Devon to the battlefield, the music should start whimsical and gentle.

As the people’s lives are transformed by war, the music becomes more harsh and mechanical.

Paule Constable

Lighting

One of the biggest challenges is, scenically, there is very little, so a shift in time or location has to be portrayed through light.

It’s as much about what the audience can’t see as what they can. I’ve been involved with War Horse from the beginning – that’s 12 years, and it’s been an insane journey. It is essentially a bucket and a bit of string – it’s all about imagination. There are too many ways it could unravel, so I keep an eye on it.

Matt Forbes

Resident puppetry director

I was in the show when it began in the West End in 2009. It was originally six months but it kept being extended. We are a nation of animal lovers plus the story of the First World War resonates with us.

In my current role, I cast the puppeteers and teach them how to bring the inanimate objects to life. It’s our job as actors to make sure the amazing puppets are responding like real horses. Once that happens you forget they aren’t.

War Horse, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, April 18 to May 12