THE MANE ATTRACTION -
The star of War Horse brought passers-by to a standstill when he galloped into Sunderland and Seaham to launch the hit show’s return to the area.
Life-size puppet Joey proved a real “mane” attraction as he posed for photos at Seaham’s Tommy statue and Roker Pier to promote the fact that the show will play Sunderland Empire from February 6 to 23, as part of its 10th anniversary UK tour.
The stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s story of courage, loyalty and friendship between a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey set amidst the horrors of The First World War, previously visited the venue for a sold out threeweek run in 2014, when it became one of the best-selling shows at the theatre.
In the centenary year of the end of The First World War, it was particularly poignant for the cast to visit Tommy, who is modelled on a soldier.
Bringing Joey to life was talented trio of puppeteers Gareth Aled, Michael Taibi and Antony Antunes, who give the 10-stone structure its equine movements and sounds. Antony said: “We performed on the centenary of the start of the war and to be on stage 100 years to the day after the war started in this show was really emotional, and it will be again in November when we perform 100 years after the war has ended.”
The puppetry teams spend time with horses as they learn how to ape their movements for the production, and Michael says the key to the performance is making people suspend their disbelief.
He said: “We had a fantastic response at Tommy and Roker Pier, seeing people’s reaction to Joey for the first time just never gets old.
“It isn’t about us, we work together to make him come to life and the greatest compliment people can make is when they say they forgot we were there, as that shows we’ve nailed it and done our job.”
After a morning taking in the sites, Joey featured in Q&A event at Sunderland Empire, attended by invited groups and schools.
The show is aimed at people aged 10 and over and Gareth says it’s hugely engaging for youngsters.
He explained: “In an age where everyone is always on their tablet it’s important for people to look up and see live performance and use their imagination.”
War Horse is at Sunderland Empire from February 6-23, 2019. Tickets from the Box Office in High Street West, Tel. 0844 871 3022 or www.ATGtickets.com/sunderland.
“The biggest compliment is when people forget we are there” MICHAEL TAIBI