On Sunday 19 October, best-selling author Michael Morpurgo was joined by Joey, the life-size horse puppet and star of the National Theatre’s production of War Horse visiting the poppies installation at the Tower of London
Joey walked amongst the poppies and Michael Morpurgo planted a poppy and then returned to read the Roll of Honour.
Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red is a major art installation at the Tower of London, marking one hundred years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in the First World War. Created by ceramic artist Paul Cummins, with setting by stage designer Tom Piper, 888,246 ceramic poppies will progressively fill the Tower’s famous moat over the summer. Each poppy represents a British military fatality during the war. Each of the poppies is available to buy online for £25 with 10% of profits and all net proceeds being donated to six service charities.
Throughout the installation period (until 11 November 2015) at twilight, the public will be able to witness from Tower Hill terrace the names of 180 serving military killed during the First World War being read out in a roll of honour. This will be followed by the ‘Last Post’ bugle call played by a single bugler. Members of the public can nominate a name for the roll of honour using a weekly ‘first come, first served’ nomination system which will allow those with the relevant information to put a name forward for the roll of honour to be read the following week.
War Horse has been seen by over 6 million people worldwide since its premiere at the National Theatre in 2007 and continues its hugely successful run at the New London Theatre in the West End.
For more information please visit http://www.warhorseonstage.com/
