War Horse will return to the National Theatre’s Olivier stage in spring 2026 with a full cast announced for the long-awaited revival of the acclaimed play. This production marks almost two decades since the original premiere and continues to showcase the National Theatre’s most successful show.

War Horse, adapted by Nick Stafford from Michael Morpurgo’s novel, will run at the National Theatre from 16 May to 30 July 2026, opening officially on 2 June. The story follows Albert, a young boy whose horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent to the front lines in France during the First World War, prompting Albert’s perilous journey to find him.

The full cast comprises 35 performers, including Anita Adam Gabay as Emilie and Joey as a foal, Tom Sturgess as Albert Narracott, Ike Bennett as David Taylor, and Stephen Beckett as Ted Narracott, among others. Multiple actors portray Joey and Topthorn in various forms through puppetry, reflecting the production’s signature blend of live action and intricate puppetry.

Originally directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris for its 2007 debut, War Horse is the National Theatre’s most commercially successful production, having won over 25 major awards including the Tony Award for Best Play. It has played to audiences exceeding 8.8 million worldwide.

The revival’s creative team includes director Tom Morris, with revival direction by Katie Henry. Set and costume design is by Rae Smith, while puppet design is led by Adrian Kohler of Handspring Puppet Company. Lighting is by Rob Casey, and Toby Sedgwick returns as movement and horse choreography director.

Additional creative contributions come from puppetry director Matthew Forbes, animation and projection designers Nicol Scott and Ben Pearcy, music by Adrian Sutton with songs by John Tams, sound design by Christopher Shutt, and music direction by Dom Coyote. The extensive support team features associate and co-associate designers, a fight director, dialect coach, and casting associates.

The National Theatre’s announcement of the War Horse cast and creative team completes the major details released for the 2026 season. The revival stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a production that has become an international theatre landmark.