A breathtaking stage production that has captured the imagination of children all over the world is back on tour.

The National Theatre’s War Horse, based on the novel by former Kent resident Michael Morpurgo, is wowing audiences with its current run of tour dates, including 12 nights at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

The touching story, which was first published in 1987, follows Albert, a young boy living in Devon, and his beloved horse, Joey.

At the outbreak of the First World War, Joey is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France where he experiences an extraordinary journey through the battlefield, while Albert, who still lives at home, cannot forget his friend.

Award-winning author Michael Morpurgo was born in 1943 and his experience of growing up in post-war Britain inspired the story.

“I was aware, very early on in life, of the damage that war did,” says the 81-year-old. “After the war, the country was in shock. The divorce rate multiplied by four and my family was one of these. I was a war baby who grew out of the war with the taint of it still there and unexplained.”

The tale is told using innovative puppetry by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring life-sized horses and other animals to life on stage.

Since its debut in 2007, the production has won two Olivier Awards and five Tony Awards.

The new tour, which marked 110 years since the start of the First World War and 40 years since the publication of the best-selling novel when it began, will visit 18 theatres across the UK and Ireland until autumn next year.

The dates include a stint in Canterbury - a place that the author holds close to his heart.

“I went to school there; to King’s School,” says Michael. “I spent five years of my life there, so I feel a strong connection to Canterbury.”

War Horse will be at the Marlowe Theatre from Tuesday, October 22 to Saturday, November 2. You can book tickets online here.

You can also book tickets by calling 01227 787787.