Image: National Theatre 

After eight years, War Horse is to close in London.

The show, based on a book of the same name by Michael Morpurgo, has been performed over 3,000 times, and has been seen by over 2.7 million people in London.

The last performance will be on March 12 2016 at the New London Theatre.

Producer Chris Harper said: “War Horse has wowed audiences around the world, and we are incredibly proud of what the show has achieved over the last eight extraordinary years.

“At the heart of War Horse is Joey, the life-size puppet horse, who has become an unlikely star, enchanting and moving audiences of all ages.

“I’d like to extend a special thank you to the incredible cast and crew who bring the show to life night after night; and we look forward to celebrating the final six months in London before galloping off on tour.”

The show will tour the UK in the Autumn of 2017, to mark the centenary of the First World War.

The show has won over 25 awards since it debuted in October 2007, and is the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre (NT), who produce the show.

It played at the NT until 2009, before moving to the New London Theatre in March.

Michael Morpurgo said: “Great things from small beginnings grow.

“Tom Morris and Marianne Elliott dared to take a children’s book about a horse and a boy in the First World War, and make a play of it with puppets.  But what puppets!

“The result, after a stuttering start, was an iconic play, but not simply a play, certainly not a musical, a show like no other, with puppets at its heart.

“It has moved millions in London and all over the world.”

Since 2008, War Horse has been seen in 97 cities in 10 countries, and a Chinese-language production opens in Shanghai later this year after make its début in Beijing.

War Horse is closing in London after 8 years. For more information, and tickets, click here.