Animal Farm played to packed houses across three nights in November. It was a visceral, exciting and fast-moving interpretation of George Orwell’s novel, in which the animals were played without masks by mud-covered, boiler-suit wearing students.

The use of gospel music was one of the many highlights and had the audiences standing, singing and clapping along at the end. The set was extraordinary: a farmyard, complete with agricultural machinery and straw bales.

Reviews have been the best the School has received. All credit to the terrific cast, not least to the Headmaster Mark Ronan who took on the role of Mr Jones convincingly, alongside teacher Adam Hall who played Old Major.

Mr Ronan praised Head of Drama Alan Heaven for his clarity of vision and calm approach as director. He added: “Alan gave us a clear framework but also gave us space as actors to engage with the process of developing the play. He was supportive and positive throughout, which made it a pleasure to be part of the cast.”

This was an outstanding piece of theatre: original, intelligent and relevant for all of us today, with its references to walls between countries, the rise of far right and far left groups; migration; dictatorships; modern slavery; tribalism; and the power of articulate educated people to control the inarticulate and under-educated.

The play, which was performed in the Tom Stoppard Theatre, was an unforgettable experience for the cast, crew and audience alike.

Feedback included:

“The whole thing, from staging, lighting to performances, was absolutely amazing.”

“A play for our times. Everything was relevant. Every bit of it. I could see Trump, Nigeria, Stalin, Hitler, Brexit, religious persecution. It was astonishing and we can’t stop talking about it at home.”

“It was fab. Totally fab. Enjoyed the variety of genres within it (love the homage to Williams’ ‘Streetcar’!), the music, movement and set. A combination of past and modern political situations really hit home. Very clever.” 

“What a brilliant production.  The direction and use of the stage was amazing, along with the costume and set design.  It immediately created the darkness of the story.”

“The actors were brilliant – Mr Jones was terrifying! We thought that the opening scene was most effective and the lighting, music and reoccurring metal noise very much added to the show.”

“…would do credit to any professional production that I have ever seen.”

“The thought and detail that has gone into the production is remarkable and all credit to you as this added intensity to the performance with the meticulously chosen music and choreographed movement. I particularly enjoyed the music and the shapes created on the stage which were most affecting.”

“I remember reading the novel at school. This just took it to a new level. Just wanted to say that this was the most original and brilliant production I have ever seen at the school, or anywhere else as a matter of fact and well done to all the cast and costumes and staging especially the farmyard!”

A full album of pictures can be seen on Flickr here.

A YouTube video can be seen here.