The acclaimed National Theatre production of War Horse was performed to over 2,500 young people this week at two specially dedicated performances for state school pupils from the Borough of Brent.

The first performance took place on Tuesday and a special introduction was given by War Horse author Michael Morpugo.

He said: “It’s completely wonderful for War Horse to be performed to an auditorium full of young people, many of whom will have never set foot in a theatre before. These are the most important audiences and I shall be sat there right alongside them, only perhaps crying a little more.”

The show was attended by primary school pupils, with secondary school pupils attending the evening performance on Wednesday.

Both the performances and surrounding activity are supported by the National Theatre, John Lyon’s Charity and Troubadour Trust.

During the six week run of the Olivier and Tony-Award winning play, the NT, together with the Troubadour Trust, have developed a programme of activity that has engaged with schools in Brent, as well as families in the local community in the lead up to the borough’s year as Borough of Culture in 2020. This includes professional development events for teachers, working with the creative team on War Horse to build professional drama expertise.

War Horse cast members have also run a series of puppetry workshops for young people, a weeklong project with the Brent Youth Theatre and a Community Day for families in Brent.

Alice King-Farlow, Director of Learning at the National Theatre said: “We are so pleased to be able to offer young people from the Borough of Brent the opportunity to see War Horse this week. This play is not only a beloved and enduring story, but it is also an extraordinary piece of theatre, combining puppetry, music, design and stagecraft seamlessly.”