War horse
Key Moment 1 - When Ted sells Joey to the Army
Lighting
Flashes of the camera to highlight key details/conversations
Lighting changes to cold during conversations
Sound
Church Bells - causing everyone to look a certain way
Camera Flash - highlighting important moments
Singing - showing time period, community, positive feelings towards the war
Set
Projection on the screen of a village
Bunting on sticks, red white & blue, gives the stage different spaces
Costume
Villagers change into soldiers on stage
Captain Stewart in Red sat on Topthorn (showing authority)
Difference between villagers & soldiers - status, class system, wealth etc
Key Characters
Major Nicholls
Ted
Albert
Physical Skills
Major Nicholls - very good posture, minimal gestures other than military signals, lack of facial expressions to his men
Ted - very big and expressive hand and body gestures, poor posture, large amount of energy whilst moving
Albert - poor posture, uses subtle smaller hand and body gestures, uses exaggerated facial expression to clearly express how he’s feeling
Vocal Skills
Major Nicholls - speaks in low military voice, volume of voice changes depending on his situation, very serious tone to his men and a kinder tone to others
Ted - Very loud all the time, slurred some of his speech to show his drunkenness, Devonshire accent
Albert - Devonshire accent, range of dynamics, change of tone of voice when talking to Joey
Interaction Skills
Major Nicholls - keeps Ted at a distance but is sensitive to Albert
Ted - Overly friendly with Major Nicholls to persuade him to sell Joey, only thinks of money over Alberts feelings
Albert - pleading with Major Nicholls, furious at Ted
Key Moment 2 - When the foal of Joey turns into him as an adult horse
Lighting
Stage is quite dark, and when the adult Joey puppet emerges, white lights come from the back of the stage and get brighter as Joey moves forward.
Blackout on the sides.
Sound
Courageous music builds, getting louder and louder as Joey transitions into an adult horse.
Includes a horse neigh, stomping sound, and violin to heighten the emotional moment.
Set
Smoke-filled, empty stage to emphasize Joey’s presence as the focus.
The transformation is the central visual.
Costume
Puppeteers wear outfits the same colour as Joey to blend into the background.
Emphasis is placed on the lifelike movement of the adult Joey puppet.
Key Characters
Albert, Joey
Physical Skills
Albert: Displays subtle awe through wide eyes, slightly parted lips, and small, hesitant steps toward Joey, emphasizing his growing connection to the horse. His posture transitions from slouched (as a sign of doubt) to upright (signifying pride and amazement).
Puppeteers for Joey: Demonstrate fluid, coordinated movements, mimicking Joey’s lifelike mannerisms, such as swishing his tail, flicking his ears, and lifting his head confidently.
Vocal Skills
Albert: Speaks softly and breathlessly, with an increasing sense of wonder. His voice rises slightly in pitch and volume as he grows more confident in addressing Joey.
His Devonshire accent adds authenticity and warmth to his dialogue, deepening the emotional connection.
Interaction Skills
Albert and Joey: Albert reaches out tentatively with open palms, his body language radiating trust and respect. The puppeteers respond with Joey’s head lowering slightly, mimicking an act of trust.
Albert’s gaze remains fixed on Joey, his facial expression shifting from amazement to joy, reinforcing the emotional bond.
Key Moment 3 - When Albert receives the sketchbook
Lighting
A warm white spotlight focuses on the centre stage where Albert, Ted, Rose, and Major Nicholls interact.
Shadows on the edges of the stage to isolate the intimate moment.
Sound
No additional sound effects, keeping the focus on the emotional conversation.
The silence adds depth to the significance of the sketchbook.
Set
The set includes a simple backdrop of dead horses in the distance, symbolizing the war.
Front of the stage is bare except for Albert and his family.
Costume
Albert is in simple, worn clothing, highlighting his humble background.
Major Nicholls is in full uniform, emphasizing his role and authority.
Key Characters
Albert, Ted, Rose, Major Nicholls.
Physical Skills
Albert: Shows hesitation at first, shifting his weight from one foot to another. When he receives the sketchbook, his hands tremble, and he clutches it to his chest to emphasize its emotional value. His facial expression transitions from confusion to realization, followed by gratitude.
Ted: Displays guilt through slumped shoulders, fidgeting, and avoiding eye contact. His movements are large and exaggerated, reflecting his discomfort and inner conflict.
Major Nicholls: Stands tall and still, maintaining formal military posture. His movements are deliberate and restrained, with small gestures like extending the sketchbook with both hands, symbolizing respect.
Vocal Skills
Albert: Speaks softly and hesitantly when first addressing Major Nicholls, his voice quivering with suppressed emotion. As he expresses his gratitude, his tone becomes firmer and more heartfelt.
Ted: Uses a defensive and loud tone when confronted, his voice dropping in volume as he feels remorse. His Devonshire accent is more slurred, reflecting his discomfort.
Major Nicholls: Speaks in a clear, authoritative voice, but softens his tone slightly when addressing Albert, showing compassion.
Interaction Skills
Albert: Avoids eye contact with Ted but shares an emotional connection with the sketchbook, holding it close to his heart. He also looks up at Major Nicholls with gratitude, maintaining a respectful posture.
Ted: Keeps his distance from Albert, emphasizing their strained relationship. His gestures toward Major Nicholls are overly friendly, as if to deflect blame.
Major Nicholls: Maintains a formal and professional demeanour but softens slightly when addressing Albert, using a small nod to show understanding.
Key Moment 4 - When Joey gets caught in barbed wire
Lighting
Fog and flashing lights to create an intense atmosphere.
Barbed wire shadow projections grow larger on the stage, intensifying as the moment progresses.
Dim lights add tension, gradually turning red as danger increases.
Sound
Thunder and lightning effects paired with loud metallic clanging.
High-pitched horse screams, quiet human yelling in the background, and an explosion to symbolize the battlefield chaos.
Tense violin music builds alongside the action.
Set
A large coil of barbed wire occupies center stage, being shaken by puppeteers to simulate Joey’s struggle.
Soldiers on both sides of the stage indicate opposing sides of the war.
Costume
Soldiers wear torn, muddy uniforms, emphasizing the harshness of war.
Joey remains the centerpiece, with puppeteers operating him in full view.
Key Characters
Joey (puppeteers), soldiers from both sides.
Physical Skills
Joey (Puppeteers): Use frantic, jerky movements to simulate Joey’s panic, including thrashing his legs, pulling against the wire, and flicking his head. His movements slow down gradually as he exhausts himself, creating tension.
Albert: Rushes toward Joey with urgency, his steps large and quick, his arms extended in desperation. His body stiffens when he sees Joey trapped, and his hands reach out but stop short, emphasizing the danger of the barbed wire.
Soldiers: Both sides exhibit hesitation and cautious movements, with soldiers on opposite sides mimicking mirrored body language to emphasize their reluctance to cross into no man’s land.
Vocal Skills
Albert: Shouts Joey’s name repeatedly, his voice breaking with emotion. His tone shifts from commanding (urging others to help) to pleading as he tries to calm Joey.
Joey (Puppeteers): Convey distressed neighing through vocal effects, using high-pitched, frantic noises that gradually soften as Joey calms.
Soldiers: Speak in hushed, tense tones, often shouting short, sharp commands to their men. Their accents vary, indicating different nationalities and creating a sense of universality.
Interaction Skills
Albert and Joey: Albert uses open palms and soothing gestures to calm Joey, crouching low to appear less threatening. The puppeteers respond by gradually slowing Joey’s movements, lowering his head to show trust.
Soldiers: Move cautiously toward Joey, extending hands as a gesture of peace. Their body language shows both fear of the barbed wire and empathy for the trapped horse.
Key Moment 5 - When Albert recognises Joey in the hospital
Lighting
The stage is fully lit, symbolizing clarity and the end of Albert’s search.
A warm glow focuses on Albert and Joey, enhancing the emotional connection.
The rest of the stage remains dimly lit to emphasize the reunion at the center.
Sound
Mesmerizing, whimsical music builds slowly, starting softly and becoming louder as the moment unfolds.
A faint ringing of bells in the background adds an ethereal, hopeful tone.
The noise of the bustling hospital gradually fades to silence, focusing all attention on the moment between Albert and Joey.
Set
Minimalistic hospital setting with a simple stretcher or bed in the background, emphasizing recovery and neutrality.
The stage is mostly empty, creating an intimate and undistracted environment for the reunion.
Costume
Albert: Wears a plain, slightly disheveled hospital gown, showing he is recovering from injuries.
Joey (Puppeteers): The horse puppet appears slightly damaged, with subtle marks to symbolize the hardships Joey endured during the war.
Background Soldiers/Staff: Dressed in muted military or medical uniforms to convey the hospital setting and reinforce the wartime environment.
Key Characters
Albert, Joey (puppeteers), hospital staff, and background soldiers.
Physical Skills
Albert: Stumbles forward when he first sees Joey, his legs weak from shock and disbelief. He drops to his knees as he processes what he’s seeing, clutching his chest or covering his face in emotional overwhelm.
His hands tremble as he reaches out cautiously toward Joey. His facial expression transitions from confusion to hope and finally to relief, with tears streaming down his face.
Joey (Puppeteers): Joey’s puppeteers use small, hesitant movements to show the horse recognizing Albert, such as a gentle tilt of the head or flick of the ears. Joey takes a tentative step forward and lowers his head toward Albert, signaling trust.
Hospital Staff: Maintain professional body language but remain still and unobtrusive, serving as a backdrop to highlight the intimate connection between Albert and Joey.
Vocal Skills
Albert: His voice begins soft and trembling, with halting words like “Joey… is that you?” His tone conveys disbelief, hope, and growing joy.
As recognition dawns, his voice rises in pitch and volume, breaking with emotion as he says Joey’s name repeatedly.
Joey (Puppeteers): The puppeteers create soft, low nickering or snorting sounds to mimic Joey’s recognition of Albert. These sounds contrast with the frantic noises Joey made earlier in the play, symbolizing his calm and trust.
Hospital Staff/Ensemble: Speak quietly in the background to maintain the subdued atmosphere, with some whispers of amazement or surprise at the reunion.
Interaction Skills
Albert and Joey: Albert reaches out with open palms, his fingers trembling, and Joey leans forward slightly, allowing Albert to touch his muzzle. This gentle interaction signifies their deep bond and trust.
Albert’s gaze remains fixed on Joey, and he slowly wraps his arms around Joey’s head, resting his forehead against the puppet in an emotional embrace.
Hospital Staff/Ensemble: The staff take small, deliberate steps backward to give the moment space, occasionally glancing at each other with looks of quiet awe. Their subtle reactions highlight the significance of the reunion.
