Animal Farm Review at The Loft Theatre
Like most, at school I was subjected to George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Unlike most, however, I greatly enjoyed it, and deem it to be one of the great pieces of modern literature. Having recently celebrated its 80th birthday, the novella feels just as modern and relevant as ever: both a revolutionary and cautionary tale, Orwell’s Animal Farm follows a group of farmyard animals as they rise up against their human ‘captor’. However, an idealistic, equal and communist community soon sees its downfall as Napoleon the pig becomes dictator. Exploring the power of propaganda, the corruption of power and the exploitation of the working class, Animal Farm speaks to an eternal question: is it better the devil you know, or the devil you don’t?
It trusts the audience to recognise its uncomfortable parallels with modern politics, social media and labour relations without heavy-handed instruction
Fired by Old Major (Elaine Freeborn)’s tellings, the adaptation uses a clever combination of song and prose to drive the story forwards. Two-tiered staging – farmhouse above, farmyard below – sets the stage as we join a drunkard farmer and his starving animals, tired and overworked and becoming evermore spiteful as a result. Whilst previous adaptations have often used puppetry or masks to bring the animals to life, here, acute physicality sees our actors taking on animalistic, earthy behaviours. Whilst caricaturistic in parts, the production makes clever use of height and posture to chart the animals’ descent. The pigs’ gradual shift from crouched, animalistic movement to upright, almost human stature serves as a stark visual shorthand for their moral corruption. Meanwhile, the remaining animals fold inward, hunched and subdued, their bodies reflecting their increasing oppression long before the script spells it out. What makes this adaptation particularly effective is its refusal to overcomplicate Orwell’s message: instead, it trusts the audience to recognise its uncomfortable parallels with modern politics, social media and labour relations without heavy-handed instruction.
I would not at all be surprised if Clarke is a future Inspector Javert, currently lurking in the wings of our local Leamington theatre
What truly holds the production together, however, is a clear sense of ensemble commitment. Even in moments where individual performances falter, the cast’s collective energy and investment in the material never wavers. Whilst slightly messy in parts, with a few notable stumblings over script, the show is packed with talented local performers. Mark Roberts delivers a strong and grounded performance as Boxer, the idealistic old horse representative of proletariat labourers. It was, however, the younger generation that undeniably stole the show: Laura Hayward-Smith’s squealer offered a masterclass in manipulation, while Colm Forde was instrumental in driving the narrative forwards. Henry Clarke stood out as the strongest vocal talent in the cast, giving a compelling performance as Snowball – the idealistic, young pig who Napoleon kills in order to gain full control of the farm. I would not at all be surprised if Clarke is a future Inspector Javert, currently lurking in the wings of our local Leamington theatre.
This energetic adaptation successfully explores Orwell’s central themes of power, propaganda and class with enthusiasm and ambition
That said, not every performance landed as successfully. Napoleon’s vocals, while perhaps limited by a deliberate stylistic choice and a rather heavy accent, ultimately fell flat, dulling the authority the role demands. There were also moments where the production design could have been clearer: more deliberate costuming or narrative introductions for the named cast would certainly have helped to distinguish roles more clearly, particularly for audience members less familiar with the story.
Whilst slightly fuzzy around the edges, this energetic adaptation successfully explores Orwell’s central themes of power, propaganda and class with enthusiasm and ambition. Packed with local talent and standout performances from its younger cast, it is well worth a visit. For Warwick students in need of a cultural fix, and with tickets priced at just £4 for under-25s, the Loft Theatre’s Animal Farm is an easy recommendation – and, conveniently, is perfectly situated for a cheeky trip to Vialli’s afterwards (other greasy food is available).
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