Farm Boy - Lichfield Garrick Review

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Thu 29 Feb 2024 - Sun 10 Mar 2024

From horse to tractor. Not just a story set against the backdrop of the mechanisation of farms a century or so ago, but also an illustration of the only sequel written by acclaimed children's author Michael Morpurgo. Most people on the planet will be familiar with Michael's incredible tale of Joey the farm horse in his 1982 book 'War Horse', especially after it was turned into a hugely successful film in 2011, directed by Steven Spielberg. But, after the horse came to the tractor, with Michael's long-awaited sequel to 'War Horse' featuring an old 'green Fordson tractor at the back of the barn'.

'Farm Boy', published in 1997, 15 years after 'War Horse', tells the simple tale of a grandfather and his grandson as the older man reminisces over a period of years. The book was subsequently adapted for the stage by Daniel Buckroyd, who directs this home-grown production at the Lichfield Garrick theatre in Staffordshire. What began as a simple storytelling show for primary schools developed into a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Festival, and now this run at the Lichfield Garrick until 10 March.



Staged in the Garrick's intimate studio theatre. the small set is dominated by the tractor which plays a key role in the story - and a strong link between grandfather and grandson, who grows into a young man during the course of the play. 'Grandpa', excellently played by experienced actor Alan Booty, is the son of Albert, the principal character of 'War Horse', who followed his horse Joey to France during World War One while only 14.

'Grandson', equally well played by Jonathan Houlston, who only graduated from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire last year, is a frequent summer visitor to his grandad's farm where he helps out while listening to the older man's many stories. These tales include his own childhood memories of the post-war years after his father Albert returned from the front with Joey, who he bought from the Army.



'Farm Boy' is very much about the power of storytelling, alongside the changing landscape of the English countryside, and easily fills the hour-long duration of this moving stage adaptation. The two characters - and actors - enjoy a comfortable rapport, regularly addressing the theatre audience as well as each other.

After finishing its current run at Lichfield Garrick, 'Farm Boy' embarks on a local community tour of mainly village halls, from 14 March to 24 March. A UK tour of theatres is then planned for Spring 2025.



For more information about the current production of 'Farm Boy', and to book tickets, visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com

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