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Director Steven Spielberg flew into England last week to oversee the filming of the much-anticipated big-screen adaptation of the War Horse stage play. After attending the New York wedding of Chelsea Clinton, the Hollywood legend flew into London by private plane, before making his way to Devon and a Dartmoor farm where a sizeable production crew had set up.

Parts of the moorland were closed off from the public as large props, including hay wagons and fruit carts, appeared. Using the dramatic landscape as a backdrop, the film crew were seen shooting scenes of riders galloping on horseback using a rig attached to a 4 x 4 vehicle.

Film Script by Billy Elliot Writer

Like the stage play, the film is based on the novel War Horse by Devon author Michael Morpurgo. The book was inspired by conversations the author had with war veterans in his local pub. The story centres on young farmhand Albert, who develops a close bond with a working horse, Joey. When Joey is sold to the British cavalry at the outbreak of the First World War, Albert enlists and sets out to bring his horse home.

The film script is by Four Weddings and a Funeral writer Richard Curtis and Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall. Jeremy Irvine, a young actor who has worked with the RSC, will make his film debut in the lead role of Albert. David Thewlis, Emily Watson and Sherlock Holmes star Benedict Cumberbatch will also star. 

Fantastic Show at the New London Theatre

Adapted for stage by Nick Stafford, War Horse premiered at the National Theatre in 2007, wowing audiences (including Academy Award-winning director Spielberg) with its dramatic staging and use of life-size puppets to bring the spirited horses to life. The show has continued to win acclaim after transferring to the New London Theatre, and is now booking into 2011. The film is anticipated for release in August next year.

Book Fantastic War Horse Tickets