War Horse - TNT

Forget traditional Christmas shows — this adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's 1982 novel is an absolute stunner. From the moment young Joey totters uncertainly onto the stage on spindly foal legs, to the closing moments which had me in tears, South African puppet company Handspring ensures their life-size creations are every bit as credible as (and often more sympathetic than) the humans who decide their fate. Following Joey's path from a Devon farm to occupied France during World War I, this simply but powerfully staged story of devotion and devastation tugs at the heartstrings. The production pulls no punches (how could it when so few military horses survived?) and the resulting integration of puppets, people and evocative song is theatre at its magical, unmissable best.
Olivier at the National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 (020-7452 3000). Until February 14. £10-£39.50