Was reading this interview with Michael Morpurgo, writer of National Theatre hit War Horse, and was struck by his reaction to first seeing the Joey puppet on stage:

"Amazed as was everybody else that a creature so obviously made had been filled with life."

I think it is the puppetry which has made War Horse such an enduring production and a global hit, and it is certainly what I remember most from my two visits to see it at the theatre. But his appearances aren't confined to the stage as he keeps popping up on special occasions.

He was on the roof at the National Theatre for the Queen's Jubilee celebrations and has had an official introduction to her Majesty, as well has appearing at West End Live at least once. I caught him arriving in his liveried horse box a couple of years ago. Does this make Joey a theatre icon?  He must certainly be the theatre equivalent to a 'national treasure'.