SOMETIMES in life, you run out of superlatives to describe things we see. Sometimes words seem ill-equipped to encapsulate just how magnificent moments can be. Sometimes they are ineffable.

But I have been tasked with writing a theatre review on the play War Horse, so I will endeavour to give satisfaction.

In Michael Morpurgo’s novel, the book’s innovativeness lies in telling the tale through the magnificent horse Joey, the equine protagonist that endures four years of terror in the First World War, but Nick Staffard’s adaptation does not have that luxury.

But with the help of the Handspring Puppet Company and some, as co-director Tom Morris put it, 'sticks', 'material' and some 'fancy other bits', the show is brought to life.

The majesty of the make-believe, auburn puppet beauty, which is manned by three people, just steals the show.

Every whinny, every ear twitch and every head turn has an artistry about it and the moment when Joey is magically transformed from a delicate foal into a vast stallion, is something to behold.

Not far behind is when the thoroughbred cross Irish draught, I had to ask two trainee vets to check whether that was correct as my knowledge of horses leaves much to be desired, agonisingly learns how to plough in just seven days. That had me on the edge of my seat.

For much of the production I just marvelled at the puppetry and became less interested in the human characters, who are very engaging but not nearly as compelling as their bamboo framed steeds.

However the relationship between the young Albert Narracott and Joey is incredibly moving.

From nurturing him from a young age, to having him sold to the cavalry when the bells of war sound by his milquetoast father and onto the barbed wire infested horrors of the battlefields in France, Joey, and the audience, are taken on quite a journey.

King Lear's quote, 'The terrors of the earth', comes to mind when the show plays out the death and destruction of the war and the chaos it causes. Not just for those who lost their lives to oust 'Fritz', but for families of the soldiers who gave their lives to defend their country.

It is easy to see why Steven Spielberg wanted to put this awe-inspiring play onto the big screen because it is a magical experience.

At times you want to weep like a baby when Albert and Joey are reunited, or turn away in horror at the death of the mighty horse Topthorn.

But then there are lighter moments too, with lovely sprinkles of humour from Billy Irving who wheels around a farmyard goose.

It was fitting that on the 10th anniversary of War Horse, the ensemble cast were given a standing ovation. It was a privilege to be there, here's to another 10 years.

The play runs until Saturday, November 11, at The Bristol Hippodrome.