WAR HORSE to Play Art Centre's State Theatre in Melbourne 2012

According to reports from The Age, Britain's National Theatre production of War Horse is set to play at the Art Centre's State Theatre in Melbourne, Australia sometime in late 2012.

War Horse opened at Britain's National Theatre in 2007. 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.

War Horse, based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo and adapted by Nick Stafford, directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, and presented in association with Handspring Puppet Company, is filled with stirring music and songs. At the heart of the show are life-sized puppets which bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage.

War Horse received its World Premiere in a limited engagement at the National's Olivier Theatre in 2007. The play returned to The National Theatre for a second run playing from in 2008-2009 before transferring to the West End's New London Theatre in Spring 2009 where it continues to play an open-ended run. War Horse has been seen over 1 million people in the UK alone and is the winner of two Olivier Awards (for Set Design and Choreography).

In April, an American production opened on Broadway and won five Tony Awards, including best play.

Premier Ted Baillieu told The Age that "the coup confirmed Melbourne's status as 'the theatre capital of Australia.'"

The Australian production of War Horse will be cast locally. Tickets will go on sale early next year.

For the original article, click here.

The Arts Centre is located in the middle of Melbourne's arts and entertainment precinct.

Located on St. Kilda Road, in between the National Gallery of Victoria (International), Southbank Arts and Leisure precinct and the Yarra River, it's only minutes away from Federation Square, Flinders Street Station and the Botanical Gardens.