Passengers at London Paddington were treated to a remarkable sight today as Joey, the celebrated life-size puppet horse from the National Theatre’s War Horse, trotted through the station for a special train-naming ceremony. Great Western Railway officially named Intercity Express Train 802007 after Joey and the story’s author, Michael Morpurgo, marking a rare appearance for the stage favourite away from the theatre.

Artists from the current UK and Ireland tour performed music from the production as Joey made his ceremonial journey across the concourse, stopping briefly to meet Paddington Bear before continuing to Platform 8. There, Michael Morpurgo and his wife Clare unveiled the train, which carries Joey’s name at one end and Morpurgo’s at the other. The event began at Paddington’s iconic war memorial, recognising the story’s First World War setting.

War Horse has captivated millions since debuting at the National Theatre in 2007, following the journey of Albert and his horse Joey through the turmoil of World War I. Adapted from Morpurgo’s 1982 novel, the production has become one of the UK’s most successful theatrical exports, later inspiring Steven Spielberg’s 2011 film adaptation. The puppet, created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, remains central to the story’s enduring appeal.

Among the guests were representatives from Farms for City Children, the charity founded by Michael and Clare Morpurgo to give young people from urban communities the opportunity to live and work on rural farms. Following the unveiling, Joey accompanied the train along the platform as it set off for Exeter St Davids, marking the train’s first journey bearing the new names.

Michael said:

“Having my name on the side of a train is not something I ever thought I would see, so to have that honour alongside Joey, who has been in my life for more than 40 years, fills me with joy. In this age of phones dominating our lives, a long train journey is one of the few places where we can stop and read a good book, occasionally lifting our eyes to take in the marvellous views we’re lucky to travel through. I’m grateful to GWR and the National Theatre for allowing Joey to be part of this special day, and for GWR’s ongoing work with local organisations like Farms for City Children, showing their commitment to supporting communities beyond just getting from A to B. I shall give Joey a ‘hello you’ pat every time before I get on the train and have a good ride. And a ‘thank you pat’ when I get off.”

GWR’s HR Director, Ashley Bray, said:

“We were thrilled to welcome Michael and Clare to Paddington today to unveil not one, but two new liveries on Intercity Express Train 802007. Michael and Clare have contributed a huge amount to the communities of Devon both through their writing and with the Farms for City Children charity. This train is our way of thanking them for their ongoing commitment to the people of this beloved corner of the Great Western network. As we reflect on 200 years of the railway and mark the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal, we cannot fail to think of those who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country, and War Horse tells that story better than most."

The National Theatre's Director and Joint Chief Executive, Indhu Rubasingham, said:

“War Horse was a groundbreaking piece of theatre when it was first staged at the National Theatre in 2007 and it remains as inspiring and relevant as ever. We will forever be grateful to Michael Morpurgo for letting us adapt his much-loved story for the stage. This moving and spectacular production, created with such care by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, and the wider teams, has captured the imagination of millions of audience members across the world. We are thrilled to see Michael and Joey immortalised in this way by Great Western Railway and to play a part in bringing today’s naming event to life”.

Farms for City Children’s Chief Executive, Corinna Csaky, said:

“I’m delighted to celebrate this special moment with our founders, Michael and Clare, and to see their remarkable dedication to Farms for City Children and our local communities in Devon recognised. It’s wonderful to know that children, now and for years to come, will be able to reach and experience the joys of the countryside aboard the train named for Michael and Joey.”

Image: Great Western Railway