Pulling the Strings by Carole Watson Combining her love of horses with her love of theatre, this Australian actress has found her ideal role in WAR HORSE. W hen the curtain falls for the last time at the Lyric Theatre in Brisbane, Sarah Nelson will have devoted almost a year bringing life to Joey, the equine star of War Horse. Based on the children’s book by Michael Morpurgo, and made into a film by Steven Spielberg in 2011, the play centres on Joey’s experiences in the World War 1 and the lives he touched. Joey’s young owner and trainer, Albert Narracott, is devastated when his horse is sold to the British Army and shipped to France. Although Albert is then too young to enlist, he ultimately follows his beloved horse to Europe with the hope of finding him and bringing him home. The success of the book inspired Tom Morris, director of the original London production, to adapt the story for the stage. Using real horses was not a practical option, so they turned to puppets for the two equine characters. Sarah Nelson is one of three puppeteers who together manipulate Joey’s limbs, ears, head and body in such a skilful way that audiences quickly fall Continued Click on the Photo to view Video