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 odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.
Sion’s work in theatre includes Titus at the Imaginate Festival, Llwyth (Tribe) for Sherman Theatre Cymru, House of America and The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning for National Theatre Wales and The Welsh Boy at Theatre Royal, Bath. His television credits include Tissues and Issues and Hotel Eddie while his film credits include Private Peaceful, Daisy Chain and The Street.
Earlier this week I spoke to Sion about why he thinks War Horse has been a global success, what it’s like working so closely with the incredible puppets and how he performs such a demanding role eight times a week...
It’s going really well! I’m now in my fifth month with the company and it’s great! Everyone has settled in now and it is just such a great show to be a part of.
Was it daunting to join such a well established West End show?
I just tried not to think about the fact that it had been running for so long and has been so successful. Instead I thought of it as a new play with new people and brand new audiences. The key is to just get on with it and not think too much; otherwise it would be pretty scary!
What is War Horse’s secret ingredient? Why do you think it has become so popular?It is absolutely because of the puppetry. Not just the horses, but also the detail in all the other puppets like the birds and so on. There isn't another show which is doing anything similar. War Horse has such a huge effect on audiences and it really does come down the magic of the puppetry!
The puppets really do come to life in the show, what is it like working with them?
It is amazing the way in which the puppets come to life, it makes the job so much easier because the puppeteers are so good - all I have to do is just react naturally. They put everything on a plate for me!
After seeing War Horse a few weeks ago I felt absolutely exhausted because the play takes the audience on such a massive journey. What is it like for you going on that journey eight times a week?
It is both physically and emotionally tiring. However, it is such a great job and every single night we have a fresh audience as well as people who have come back to see the show again because they loved it so much the first time around. This means you want to give the audience the best experience possible.
How do you keep your performance fresh each night, eight show’s a week must be tough?
We have two different puppeteer teams which really helps. Joey is puppeteered by different puppeteers each night who do different things which means I have to react and do different things. I never just fall into a pattern or routine because they constantly throw in new things which stops the show from going stale. I think this is one of the reasons that the show has been so successful.
What are the cast like to work with?
Great! There are 37 of us in total and 32 of us joined at the same time as only 5 people stayed on from the previous company. Having so many people around means there is always plenty going on and lots of completely different people to talk to! We have a good laugh but of course everyone is very proud to be a part of something which means so much to so many. The work is taken very seriously but of course we have fun as and when we can!
What would you like to do after War Horse?
At the moment I can’t think that far ahead! I’m just enjoying being a part of something that I’ve wanted to be part of for years! I’m not sure what I’ll do next; maybe some more theatre or maybe some screen work. We’ll have to wait and see.
What are your favourite shows in London at the moment?
Well it’s finished now, but I recently saw The Effect at the National and thought it was extraordinary – I loved it! It had a similar effect on me as the first time I saw War Horse - I couldn't stop thinking about it for days! I also saw The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time when it was at the National which is obviously still going strong. Luke (Treadaway)’s performance is excellent. But it’s funny because when you’re in a show it takes you out of the loop! I want to see Once, when I have some time off I need to make sure I see it!
Finally, why should people come and see War Horse?
It is one of those rare, one off experiences which will stay with you for a long time. War Horse is a magical show which gives you a break from reality.
Interviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
War Horse is currently booking at the New London Theatre until 15th February 2014.
Click here to book tickets.
Visit www.warhorselondon.com for further information.
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