Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have recently enjoyed a trip to Sunderland Empire to see a theatre production of Michael Morpurgo's novel, War Horse.

The trip was organised by English Teacher, Mrs Wright and Learning Mentor, Miss Howard to show students that many films and theatre productions begin life as a book. War Horse is an excellent example of this; originally produced as a novel, it has been successfully adapted for both the screen and stage.

By seeing the play, students were able to compare the adaptation to the original book and discuss whether they felt that the stage production was true to the author's original story. This enhances their understanding of literature and improves debating skills, which benefits them in all subjects.

Review by Megann G, Year 9

War Horse at Sunderland Empire Theatre was a very moving and heart felt drama based on Michael Morpurgo's book of the same name, adapted into a theatre performance by Nick Stafford.

Everyone who went to see the play thoroughly enjoyed it, although, in a debate afterwards, there were mixed opinions about which was better, the movie, the play or the book. Overall, we decided that the theatre adaptation was better, as the stage sets were excellent and it was full of heart breaking twists and turns that left you in awe.

The story is told from Joey, the horse's point of view, which makes you sympathetic towards horses and how they were treated in the war, and his owner, a young boy named Albert.

The story begins when Albert's drunken father outbids his brother for a horse (Joey) and in doing this, he uses the money that is needed to pay the mortgage on the family farm. Joey isn't a farm horse and can't earn his keep so Albert's parents decide that they need to sell him but Albert is so determined to keep him, he teaches Joey to plough the fields.

Joey is later sold to the war effort for £100 and when Albert finds out, he runs off to join the army, determined to be reunited with Joey. Tragic events follow but in the end, the pair are reunited and Albert rides Joey back to Devon from France.

The play was heart felt and dramatic and it didn't scrimp on the scenes of war, which were very powerful but necessary. War Horse has lived up to its name and placed itself firmly in everyone's hearts. I absolutely loved this version because it has a different way of making you feel; it tugs at your heart strings and makes you feel sympathetic to Joey. I would love to see it again.