The Lowry’s War Horse run generates nearly £9m

WAR Horse, the hit play which uses puppets to portray its animal characters, has generated nearly £9m for the Greater Manchester economy during its current run.

The 56-day long, 70 show production, which ends on Saturday, has been the Lowry’s biggest selling show in the history of the Salford-based arts centre.

According to New Economy, the research organisation, the production has contributed £8.9m in GVA from ticket sales, visitor spend and additional expenditure in the wider supply chain.

The National Theatre production, which is returning to the venue for a second, nine-week residency from July 23 to September 2014, has sold more than 114,500 tickets during the present run.

The show has featured 35 actors and 23 puppets to bring the Michael Morpurgo World War One story to life – with the help of 250 costumes and 150 pairs of shoes and boots.

Julia Fawcett, chief executive of The Lowry, said: “War Horse has been incredible success. The ticket sales speak for themselves – and the response we have had to the learning and community activity surrounding the show has been overwhelming.”

Chris Harper, producer of War Horse for the National Theatre, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to War Horse by audiences in the North West.  The company, many of whom are from the North West, have relished their time at our partner theatre in Salford and we are all looking forward to returning in July 2014.”