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The creation of a world where equality is a variable . . . Pictures: Pamela Raith Animal Farm Malvern Theatres **** All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others. This powerful and somewhat frightening re-telling of George Orwell’s timeless classic adapted for stage by Ian Wooldridge and directed by Iqbal Khan overthrows Malvern Theatres this week as one tyranny is replaced by another. As an early warning, there will be no successful conclusion, but layers of fabrication, alternative fact and misinformation that is brought to horrifying life by Octagon Theatre Bolton. The fairy tale begins with a group of anthropomorphic farm animals who fight the power, toppling the human dictator Mr Jones and dreaming of freedom and equal rights only to be betrayed under a new dictatorship, true to nature, Napoleon the Pig, Rhian Lynch.
History is rewritten beneath the windmill and Snowball, Soroosh Lavasani, is ousted and blamed for every wrongdoing and the demise of Animal Farm. The original seven commandments include, no animal must ever kill another animal and to never sleep in a bed or live in a house or drink alcohol, but blurred lines see rewrites to suit the authorities causing inequality to be rife amongst the yard. Napolean and Squealer, Lewis Griffin, do away with meetings and instead just issue orders to work harder on less food all for the greater good and the pigs become fatter and reap all the benefits whilst the equines suffer the consequences. Boxer, Sam Black, becomes injured and quickly disposed of, Clover, Natalia Campbell, distraught after Boxer’s untimely disappearance and Benjamin, wise old donkey, survives to the bitter end, held up by his timeless scepticism. Painfully on the nose to what is happening around the world now, even though it was written around the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and then on into the Stalinist era. Is it “Four legs good, two legs better” or “Four legs good, two legs bad”? The Octagon Theatre’s production of Animal Farm has been recognised as one of The Stage’s Top 50 Shows of 2024 and it is clear to see why with a talented cast, dramatic movement, and gut-wrenching squeals. Long live the beasts of England. Tickets are still available, for this thought-provoking satirical performance so join the revolution at Manor Farm until 15-02-25, from the box office on 01684 892277 or check out the theatre website. Emma Trimble 11-02-25 |
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