The National Theater in London’s international smash-hit production “War Horse” will be screened at local cinemas next month.

A rebroadcast in cinemas of the West End production will open on Nov. 8 at select Megabox cinemas, mostly in Seoul, the local cinema chain said Tuesday.

Featuring a life-sized puppet horse, the production was an instant sensation when it was first performed in 2007. 

The original production never came to Korea.

Indicative of the high level of interest among theatergoers here, tickets for its three screenings in March this year at Korea’s National Theater all sold out.

Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel and adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford, “War Horse” is a heartwarming tale of loyalty and friendship between a horse named Joey and young man named Albert, set against the backdrop of World War I.

Since 2009, Megabox has been presenting operas, ballets and classical music concerts from the world’s top venues including the New York Metropolitan Opera, enabling fans to enjoy highbrow art at a nearby cinema and at a fraction of the cost.

From Nov. 1, the Met production of Rossini’s opera “La Cenerentola” will be screened along with others.

On Nov. 9, a high-definition screening of the Zurich Opera House production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto” will be held at Goyang Aramnuri’s Aram Theater.

For more information about “War Horse” and other Megabox showings, visit megabox.co.kr or call 1544-0070.

For details about “Rigoletto,” call 1577-7766 or visit www.artgy.or.kr.

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldcorp.com)