War Horse is a theatre production that has captured the public imagination and in its six year history has been seen by eight million people worldwide.

Based on the book of the same name by children’s author Michael Morpurgo, the story follows Albert, whose beloved horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France at the outbreak of the First World War.

Albert cannot forget Joey and he embarks on a treacherous mission to bring him back to Britain.

Last month a new cast of 26 actors and 12 puppeteers working 23 puppets joined the company of the West End production, including Jayne McKenna from Brighton, who plays Rose Narracott, Albert’s mother and one of the key characters.

Jayne, who is originally from East Kilbride near Glasgow and trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, is thrilled to be involved with the show, though admits the commute to London is a challenge.

“I feel incredibly blessed to be part of it,” she says.

She is no stranger to the West End, having previously appeared in a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth with Sean Bean (Sharpe) and Samantha Bond (Miss Moneypenny) at the Noel Coward, and in Men Should Weep at the National Theatre.

Jayne has also worked on many touring productions over the years.

However Jayne has also had a string of television roles, and is perhaps best known from ITV’s Footballers’ Wives. She is soon to appear in musical film London Road, with Olivia Coleman.

The 43-year-old has three sons ages nine, five and two, and says that War Horse really resonated with her eldest son.

“My nine-year-old son was so moved by the play last year.

“He’s not really into theatrical studies but it really did something for him; it has lifted it off the page of the novel.

“My children are always in my mind as a consideration. It’s a lovely legacy to have.”

Jayne moved to Brighton seven years ago, and says that despite often having to commute she would not go back to London.

“To give your children an upbringing in Brighton is a gift,” says Jayne. “It’s a very non-judgemental place.”

With regards to the Brighton theatre scene, Jayne notes there is room for improvement.

“I think there is a massive gap in the market for a producing theatre in Brighton.

“You get lots of theatre companies here but with regards to producing someone could really capitalise on it.”

Currently running at the New London Theatre until February 2016, War Horse is a spectacular show known for its life-size horse puppets by the Handspring Puppet Company, with horse choreography by Toby Sedgewick.

War Horse was also made into a film in 2011 directed by Steven Spielberg, featuring Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch on the cast list.

“I haven’t seen the film to be honest and from what I have heard the stage show does trump it,” says Jayne.

One actress has been part of the War Horse cast for three years, though Jayne says that she is mindful of outstaying her role.

“If it was starting to feel a bit stale for me it wouldn’t feel fair on the audience.

“When you go out there every night you have to remember that some families have spent a lot of money on that show.

“You have to give them your best.”

n War Horse is at New London Theatre, Drury Lane , London. For tickets visit www.warhorseonstage.com or call 0844 412 4654.

War Horse is a theatre production that has captured the public imagination and in its six year history has been seen by eight million people worldwide.
Based on the book of the same name by children’s author Michael Morpurgo, the story follows Albert, whose beloved horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France at the outbreak of the First World War.
Albert cannot forget Joey and he embarks on a treacherous mission to bring him back to Britain.
Last month a new cast of 26 actors and 12 puppeteers working 23 puppets joined the company of the West End production, including Jayne McKenna from Brighton, who plays Rose Narracott, Albert’s mother and one of the key characters.
Jayne, who is originally from East Kilbride near Glasgow and trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, is thrilled to be involved with the show, though admits the commute to London is a challenge.
“I feel incredibly blessed to be part of it,” she says.
She is no stranger to the West End, having previously appeared in a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth with Sean Bean (Sharpe) and Samantha Bond (Miss Moneypenny) at the Noel Coward, and in Men Should Weep at the National Theatre.
Jayne has also worked on many touring productions over the years.
However Jayne has also had a string of television roles, and is perhaps best known from ITV’s Footballers’ Wives. She is soon to appear in musical film London Road, with Olivia Coleman.
The 43-year-old has three sons ages nine, five and two, and says that War Horse really resonated with her eldest son.
“My nine-year-old son was so moved by the play last year.
“He’s not really into theatrical studies but it really did something for him; it has lifted it off the page of the novel.
“My children are always in my mind as a consideration. It’s a lovely legacy to have.”
Jayne moved to Brighton seven years ago, and says that despite often having to commute she would not go back to London.
“To give your children an upbringing in Brighton is a gift,” says Jayne. “It’s a very non-judgemental place.”
With regards to the Brighton theatre scene, Jayne notes there is room for improvement.
“I think there is a massive gap in the market for a producing theatre in Brighton.
“You get lots of theatre companies here but with regards to producing someone could really capitalise on it.”
Currently running at the New London Theatre until February 2016, War Horse is a spectacular show   known for its life-size horse puppets by the Handspring Puppet Company, with horse choreography by Toby Sedgewick.
War Horse was also made into a film in 2011 directed by Steven Spielberg, featuring Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch on the cast list.
“I haven’t seen the film to be honest and from what I have heard the stage show does trump it,” says Jayne.
One actress has been part of the War Horse cast for three years, though Jayne says that she is mindful of outstaying her role.
 “If it was starting to feel a bit stale for me it wouldn’t feel fair on the audience.
“When you go out there every night you have to remember that some families have spent a lot of money on that show.
“You have to give them your best.”


n War Horse is at New London Theatre, Drury Lane , London. For tickets visit <&bh"http://www.warhorseonstage.com">www.warhorseonstage.com<&eh> or call 0844 412 4654.