Adrian Sutton, award-winning composer of the music for War Horse, the National Theatre’s play based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel set against the backdrop of the First World War, has died aged 58.
The Olivier-awarded and Tony-nominated British composer had been given an incurable cancer diagnosis in September 2022.
He had composed the scores to a number of the National Theatre’s most successful shows, including The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, War Horse, Angels in America and Coram Boy.
In a statement about his death the National Theatre said: “The impact of his music, and his contribution to the National Theatre cannot be underestimated. His kindness and endless support for colleagues will be missed by so many at the NT and across the industry. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
His other work for theatre included Dr. Semmelweis, Cyrano de Bergerac at the Bristol Old Vic and Murder on The Orient Express at Chichester Festival Theatre.
Adrian also composed music for TV, commercials and film as well as a number of concerts and orchestral pieces.
He won an Olivier Award in 2013 (with Ian Dickinson) for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; and was nominated for a Tony Award in 2018 for his music for Angels in America.
The worldwide theatre hit War Horse, featuring Adrian’s acclaimed orchestral score, returned to UK theatres in September 2024 and is currently on stage at the Theatre Royal Norwich until 8 November: https://www.warhorseonstage.com/.
An obituary of Adrian Sutton can be found on The Times website [paywall].
Photograph: Robert Taylor courtesy of www.adriansutton.com