War Horse at the National Theatre

Following two sold-out seasons at the National Theatre, War Horse moves across to the New London Theatre, Drury Lane, from 31st March 2009, with performances running all the way through to 26th September. Click here for performance times and booking information.

Actors working with magnificent, life-sized puppets by the internationally renowned Handspring Puppet Company led the audience on a gripping journey through history. Click here to see images from the production.

'After the success of His Dark Materials and Coram Boy, the National Theatre has acquired a deserved reputation for its epic family shows. With War Horse, based on the novel by the former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo, it has topped even those magnificent productions.’
Daily Telegraph

The stage adaptation reached number one in The Observer newspaper's top ten theatre performances and it was also awarded the best design prize in the Evening Standard Theatre Awards. "Horses whinny, flex, canter and display all the characteristics of the real thing," wrote Theatre Buff's Katie Spain. "Not since Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake have I seen such complete immersion into a species’ mannerisms. Man and machine blend perfectly."

Private Peaceful: the 2009 tour

The acclaimed stage adaptation of Private Peaceful, presented by Scamp Theatre and Poonamalle, returns during 2009 with a UK tour. The performance received rave reviews during its last tour (see below), so early booking is advisable. Visit www.scamptheatre.com for the 2009 tour dates and venues.

*** Michael will be joining the March 31st performance in Guildford – more details coming soon! ***

"An infinitely touching, intensely acted account of a young First World War soldier’s final day." Sunday Express
"Morpurgo’s magic, a masterly adaptation by Simon Reade... This is one hour of your own life you’ll never forget" Daily Mail
"The horrors of war and the joyfulness of life are bound up together in this magnificent show." Scotsman
"As moving as the poetry of Wilfred Owen and as painfully memorable as white-hot shrapnel..." Sunday Herald

The Mozart Question takes to the stage

From the team behind the award-winning stage adaptations of Michael's books, Private Peaceful and Aesop’s Fables, now comes a dramatisation of Michael's extraordinary story, The Mozart Question.

Performed by Andrew Bridgmont, directed by Julia McShane and adapted by Simon Reade, the production will be at the New End Theatre in Hampstead, London NW3, from 3rd March to 4th April 2009. Click here for performance times and booking information, or call the Box Office on 0870 033 2733. The Mozart Question will then be on national tour from May to July. Visit www.scamptheatre.com for the national tour dates and venues.

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the inauguration of the Children’s Laureate, Anne Fine, Michael Morpurgo, Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Rosen reflect on the fun and challenges of being Laureate and discuss the current trend of dramatic adaptations of children’s novels. Click here for bookings. The event, which begins at 6pm, will be followed by a booksigning.

Later this year . . .

April 4th: Oxford Literary Festival. More details here soon, and at the Festival website.
April 25th: Cambridge Wordfest. More details here soon, and at the Festival website.

Live Chat on Mumsnet

Michael recently took part in a live webchat on the parents' website Mumsnet.com about literature and learning, his books and his inspiration. View the questions and Michael's answers here.

On Angel Wings CD

The album version of 'On Angel Wings' ((No Masters NMCD30) is now available in music stores and from www.nomasters.co.uk. It's been dramatised and adapted by Simon Reade and features Paul Chequer, Andrew Bridgmont, Alexander Campbell, Stephanie Street, with Michael Morpurgo as The Storyteller and historical carols from Coope Boyes & Simpson, Fi Fraser, Jo Freya and Georgina Boyes. Proceeds from sales will go to Michael and Clare Morpurgo's charity, Farms for City Children.

"The twelve songs include one written by John Tams for Morpurgo’s National Theatre production of War Horse, plus songs collected in Cornwall, Northumberland and Hertfordshire, as well as some from the South Yorkshire and Derbyshire carol tradition. A perfect Christmas gift – or treat yourself!" English Folk Dance & Song Society Magazine