War Horse, Starring James Backway, Sets Closing Date in London's West End

The National Theatre’s West End production of the award-winning War Horse will close on March 12, 2016. The show, which premiered at the National in October 2007, moved to its current home at the New London Theatre in March 2009. The original cast in both incarnations featured Game of Thrones' Kit Harington as Albert; James Backway is currently playing the role, with Philip Bertioli appearing as Joey.

Set at the onset of the first World War, War Horse charts the heartwrenching tale of a young boy named Albert and his relationship with his horse Joey, who is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Caught in enemy fire and propelled by fate, Albert begins a dangerous mission to find Joey and bring him home.

The production is directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris and features design by Rae Smith, puppet direction/design/fabrication by Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler, lighting by Paul Constable and movement/horse choreography by Toby Sedgwick.

The Broadway production of War Horse began performances at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in the spring of 2011 and closed in January 2013; it received six Tony Awards at the 2011 ceremony, including Best Play.