War Horse meets Birmingham Hippodrome horse

Sydney Silver Brumby, or Silver for short, belongs to Birmingham Hippodrome’s own Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Fiona Allan.

The 10 year old Irish Sports Horse mare travelled in to the city centre from her stables at Alcott Farm near Alvechurch for a special meet and greet with War Horse’s hero, Joey.

Fiona Allan has been the proud owner of Silver for nearly two years, primarily riding her in dressage and hacking, with some jumping cross country included too.

Speaking of this special occasion, Fiona said: “As an enthusiastic amateur rider myself, I have been waiting for the National Theatre’s production of War Horse to arrive here at Birmingham Hippodrome since I started here three years ago.

“The production is simply one of the finest pieces of theatre ever made, and it was a real thrill to introduce my own horse, Silver, to the star of the show himself, Joey.

“I was very proud of how she responded to meeting him, taking it all in her stride”

Following eight record-breaking years in London’s West End, War Horse has now played in eleven countries around the world and been seen by over seven million people.

The production has won over 25 major awards including the Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway. Following its Birmingham run and eleven years after its debut, War Horse will return to its original home of the National Theatre in London this November to mark the centenary of Armistice Day.

At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land.

Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

War Horse runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.