Joey, the star of the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse, made a rare off-stage appearance at London Paddington today as Great Western Railway (GWR) named a train after him and his creator, Michael Morpurgo.
Commuters at Paddington station watched in awe as the astonishing life-sized horse, Joey – created by Handspring Puppet Company – walked the course from the iconic war memorial on platform 1 to greet Morpurgo, who then unveiled their train.
Cast from the long-running play, which is currently on a major tour of the UK and Ireland, performed music from the production as they accompanied Joey through the station, making an impromptu stop to meet another icon of the book world, Paddington Bear.
The procession ended on platform 8 where they were met by Devon-based Michael and his wife Clare, who unveiled the new livery on Intercity Express Train 802007.
The train displays the name ‘Joey’ at one end, while his creator adorns the opposite end.
War Horse tells the remarkable story of Albert and his beloved horse, Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War. At the outbreak of the war, Joey is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France, which takes him on an extraordinary journey through the battlefields of Europe, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in No Man’s Land. Albert, who remains in Devon, too young to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find Joey and bring him home.
Morpurgo’s best-selling novel, first published in 1982, has sold over 2 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 44 languages. It was subsequently adapted for stage by Nick Stafford and originally directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, becoming the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre, winning more than 25 major awards. It has been seen by over 8.8 million people worldwide since its world premiere at the National Theatre in 2007. Steven Spielberg later directed a film version which debuted in 2011.
Guests to the event included representatives from Farms for City Children, a charity founded by Michael and Clare nearly 50 years ago, which offers children from urban areas the opportunity to experience life on a farm, with facilities in Devon, Gloucestershire and Pembrokeshire. The immersive experiences are designed to enhance learning and provide children with transferable skills which will benefit them both now and in the future.
Michael said:
“Having my name on the side of a train is not something I ever thought I would see, so to have that honour alongside Joey, who has been in my life for more than 40 years, fills me with joy.
“In this age of phones dominating our lives, a long train journey is one of the few places where we can stop and read a good book, occasionally lifting our eyes to take in the marvellous views we’re lucky to travel through.
“I’m grateful to GWR and the National Theatre for allowing Joey to be part of this special day, and for GWR’s ongoing work with local organisations like Farms for City Children, showing their commitment to supporting communities beyond just getting from A to B.
“I shall give Joey a ‘hello you’ pat every time before I get on the train and have a good ride. And a ‘thank you pat’ when I get off.”
GWR’s HR Director, Ashley Bray, said:
“We were thrilled to welcome Michael and Clare to Paddington today to unveil not one, but two new liveries on Intercity Express Train 802007.
“Michael and Clare have contributed a huge amount to the communities of Devon both through their writing and with the Farms for City Children charity. This train is our way of thanking them for their ongoing commitment to the people of this beloved corner of the Great Western network.
“As we reflect on 200 years of the railway and mark the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal, we cannot fail to think of those who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country, and War Horse tells that story better than most.”
The National Theatre’s Director and Joint Chief Executive, Indhu Rubasingham, said:
“War Horse was a groundbreaking piece of theatre when it was first staged at the National Theatre in 2007 and it remains as inspiring and relevant as ever. We will forever be grateful to Michael Morpurgo for letting us adapt his much-loved story for the stage.
“This moving and spectacular production, created with such care by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, and the wider teams, has captured the imagination of millions of audience members across the world. We are thrilled to see Michael and Joey immortalised in this way by Great Western Railway and to play a part in bringing today’s naming event to life”.
Farms for City Children’s Chief Executive, Corinna Csaky, said:
“I’m delighted to celebrate this special moment with our founders, Michael and Clare, and to see their remarkable dedication to Farms for City Children and our local communities in Devon recognised.
“It’s wonderful to know that children, now and for years to come, will be able to reach and experience the joys of the countryside aboard the train named for Michael and Joey.”
As 802007 departed, Michael waved the train off on its maiden voyage to Exeter St Davids, with Joey cantering alongside on the platform.
Image credit: GWR
