A spellbinding theatrical spectacular, a mesmerising visual feast, and a production so moving and beautiful it just has to be experienced - War Horse at The Alexandra is an extraordinary production that lives up to the hype.

This National Theatre touring production,  directed by Tom Morris with  revival director Katie Henry, is theatre at its best, and is a sheer joy to watch, even through the many, many tears shed!

Based on Michael Morpurgo's novel, and telling the World War I story of Albert and his horse Joey, Warhorse features strong storytelling and a stellar cast, with the standout element being undoubtedly the puppetry.

The life-sized horses are brought to life so skilfully that  after about five minutes you mostly forget you're watching puppets at all, but not quite enough to stop admiring the talent that brings them to life.

Every move, from glorious gallops to nuanced tosses of the mane, kicks, and snorts, is carefully coordinated to perfection.

Staging and special effects are slick and fast moving, transforming the space from Devon countryside to the Western Front and the narrative itself, is handled with care, balancing harsh realities with moments of genuine warmth and hope.

It’s also a truly immersive experience, We see bombs going off, feel shuddering explosions around us. There are many shots, billowing smoke and at times the venue goes completely dark. At one point a giant tank looms over the stage, almost threatening to burst off into the audience. It really is a breathtaking sight.

The story is emotionally charged, and sometimes not for the faint hearted, but it’s definitely a show that will live on in your memory for a long time to come, and it’s easy to see why it has connected wirh audiences worldwide.

Special kudos must also go to the fantastic Tom Sturgess who plays the lead role of Albert, and the amazing puppeteers, including Tom Quinn, Lewis McBean, Michael Larcombe, Tea Poldervaart, Robin Hayward,  Gun Suen, - Eloise Beaumont-Wood,  Clara Lioe and Jordan Paris.

Five stars

Reviewed by Fiona McCartney at The Alexandra, Birmingham, where it shows until Saturday 19 July.