War Horses – Northumbria Police visitors at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Newcastle Theatre Royal welcomed some very special guests ahead of War Horse being performed on stage next week (Wed 10 – Sat 20 September). Horses from Northumbria Police’s Mounted Section paid a visit to the theatre, creating a striking scene on Grey Street as they posed outside the historic Grey Street venue.

The visit celebrated the arrival of the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse, based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo. Featuring ground-breaking puppetry by Handspring Puppet Company that brings the horses to life on stage, War Horse has captivated over 8.4 million audience members around the world and is now set to visit Newcastle for the first time.

While War Horse tells the story of horses serving alongside soldiers in the First World War, the Mounted Police represent today’s modern-day service horses – working with their officers to support communities, maintain public safety, and connect with the public.

The horses’ presence outside Newcastle Theatre Royal, which is currently dressed in portico banners starring Joey, the life-sized puppet horse featured in the play, drew plenty of attention from passers-by, offering a reminder of the powerful bond at the heart of the production.

War Horse plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Wed 10 – Sat 20 Sep 2025.