All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.
As to be expected from a play, based on a novel by George Orwell, Animal Farm is a dystopian social commentary, that allegedly refers to the Russian revolution of 1917. It tells the story of Old Major, Napoleon, Snowball and the other animals of Manor Farm wanting to overthrow the human owner – Mr Jones and become free and self-sufficient.
The production is one that would definitely be approved by Orwell himself, with a clever set designed by Ciarán Bagnall, which you don’t think would be much, as it is all set on the farm. But the moving parts that were added in – to create the windmill and show the commandments were clearly so well thought about and came across so well throughout the performance.
It is truly a company performance piece, with no one person fully leading the rest, although you could be mistaken for believing that Rhian Lewis as Napoleon would be the leader – but each person has their own place and moment. Lewis is the only person who only has one animal to focus on – but Napoleon is such a big character and personality, that it would be unfair to request more. She really took you on the journey that Orwell takes you on in the book, starting off as a meek and not leadership material and ending with the dictator-like version. Lewis Griffin was the perfect Squealer, the follower and eventually become the face of the revolution/dictatorship and Sam Black as Boxer was brilliant. Along with Natalia Campbell (Old Major/Clover), Olivia Chandler (Mollie) and Soroosh Lavansani (Snowball), the cast all work seamlessly together and are at the top of their game, especially with ensuring the audience are aware of which animal they are currently portraying with the animal noises mixed in with the words of the text. Helping with knowing the animals is Su Newell’s costume design, which means the cast are all in similar attire and the focus is on the intricate headpieces worn by the cast. The headpieces give War horse vibes and are dystopian in appearance but are eerily and hauntingly beautiful at the same time. They are meant to draw your attention and make it seem as though the animals are actually speaking to you.
The direction from Iqbal Khan definitely adds to the production and it is clear to see why certain choices were made, to make it sleek yet effective at getting the message across. It is pure entertainment for the family to watch.
Animal Farm is at the Liverpool Playhouse until 5th April 2025. For tickets, head to www.everymanplayhouse.com/event/animal-farm
Reviewer: Jenn McKean
Reviewed: 1st April 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 4 out of 5.
