Did Newbury love Farm Boy, Michael Morpurgo’s sequel to War Horse?

Michael Morpurgo’s Farm Boy
at the Corn Exchange
on Tuesday, April 22

Review by ROBIN STRAPP

Michael Morpurgo’s Farm Boy adapted and deftly directly by Daniel Buckroyd is the sequel to War Horse set in the Devon countryside. Fi Russel’s barn set is dominated by a full size 1920s Fordson tractor, beautifully built by Jamie Andrews.

The play explores the relationships between grandfather and grandson played by Alan Booty and Jonathan Houlston who gave impressive, exuberant performances in this compassionate, captivating story.

Grandson is spending his holidays at the farm where his grandfather relates the stories of his childhood. He never complains about this and just loves to remember his beloved wife and his own father together with the horses, Joey and Zoey. We learn of Joey being sold to the army for £40 and his exploits in the horrors of the First World War.

Life on the farm was tough and neighbouring farmer Harry Medicott challenges great-grandfather to a ploughing competition, horses pitted against the tractor with a large wager for the winner.

It’s an impossible challenge but luck plays an important part as the tractor breaks down. But with the determination and sheer grit of great-grandfather they triumph in what was a poignant scene. The horses are finally retired and never had to pull a plough again.

Moving to the present day, Grandad reveals a secret; he has never been able to read and write, and asks his grandson to stay on the farm and teach him before he sets off on his travels to Australia.

Grandad is determined to read an Agatha Christie novel from beginning to end by the New Year, which he triumphantly achieves.

After his gap year in Australia grandson returns to the farm and takes over the running of it much to grandfather's delight.

This was an enchanting picture of rural England told through three generations owing much to the masterful storytelling skills of Booty and Houlston who had a magical empathy between each other and a superb rapport with the audience. A sheer joy to watch.

Farm Boy is a most moving production thoroughly enjoyed by the youngsters and indeed the 'not so young' in the audience.