23 Sep 2018

Michael Morpurgo: War Horse author has soft spot for NZ

From Sunday Morning, 10:07 am on 23 September 2018

The theatrical production of War Horse is coming to New Zealand next year, from the original 1982 children's book by Sir Michael Morpurgo. The stage show's been seen by 7 million people and next June heads to The Civic in Auckland. Sir Michael talks about the book, the show and is affinity for New Zealand.

Sir Michael Morpurgo with a duck from the War Horse London stage show. Photo: National Theatre.

Michael Morpurgo says when he was first told his book would use "puppet" horses he was upset. Now he's rapt at the production by the New London Theatre. Photo by Brinkhoff Mögenburg

The War Horse stage show is coming to NZ in June 2019. Photo by Brinkhoff Mögenburg

War Horse on stage. Photo by Brinkhoff Mögenburg

War Horse is based on Sir Michael Morpurgo's children's book of 1982. Photo by Brinkhoff Mögenburg

War Horse is the story of Joey, a horse bought by the Army for service in World War I France and the attempts of young Albert, his previous owner, to bring him safely home.

War Horse at the New London Theatre. Photo by Brinkhoff Mögenburg

Photo by Brinkhoff Mögenburg

War Horse at the New London Theatre. Photo by Brinkhoff Mögenburg

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, has a soft spot for New Zealand and has spent time in Christchurch post-earthquake.

Joey in Flanders Field new Ypres. Photo: Luk Monsaert