Animal Farm
Theatre Royal, Stratford East

THIS excellent adaptation of George Orwell’s iconic book gives a real contemporary feel to proceedings.

The original book, published in 1945, saw Orwell drawing what he saw as lessons from the early years of the Russian revolution. This Tatty Hennessy adaptation centres more on power dynamics, manipulation of group situations and inequality.

In places there is more than a hint of the recent history of the Labour Party, with a popular leader ousted and a manipulative shadowy figure putting his man into the top job. The role of manipulative pig, Squealer (Tom Simper), has certainly been made far more prominent than in the original book. A cross between Peter Mandelson and Uriah Heep.

There is some blurring of lines, possibly due to having to compact so much narrative into the limited time frame. For example, the dogs appear a far more terrifying force, serving the pigs, in the book. In the play, the single dog is an enforcer but also seems an ambivalent part of the group at times.

Hayley Grindle, set and costume designer, does an excellent job, with the split stage that demotes the animals below, while power resides in a sealed board room structure above. The pigs move to inhabit the board room. There is also a factory farm feel to the set. 

Tachia Newall nicely builds the role of Napoleon, overthrowing his rival, Snowball, and taking power. The effort to control the group, with fear engendered regarding traitors and enemies outside, also has a nice contemporary feel. The line “All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others” rings as true today, as in the 1940s.

Napoleon’s tour de force is a final speech where he displays the contempt of the ruling elite for the workers that they exploit.

There is a real energy about the play throughout, conveyed by clever choreography of movement.

A great strength of this production is that it can stand alone, relatable to life today. This owes much to Hennessy’s adaptation and the direction of Amy Leach. It keeps the audience engaged throughout. 

Well worth seeing.

Runs till March 8, then Leeds Playhouse March 12-29, and Nottingham Playhouse April 2-12. Box Office: 020 8534 0310, stratfordeast.com