ANIMAL FARM (2015)

 Directed by Chris Bainbridge

The animals of Manor Farm stage an uprising against their human masters and create a society based upon the principles of 'Animalism'.

 Animal Farm was performed in June 2015 at Theatr Colwyn with the following cast:

Narrator............................................Lorna Hughes

Napoleon..............................................Ryan Davies

Squealer............................................Helen Thomas

Snowball............................................Chris Atherton

Clover..................................................Carole Lauren

Boxer/Pilkington............................Andrew Thomas

Muriel................................................Judith Williams

Mollie...............................................Donna Poynton

 Old Major/Benjamin.......................David Crawford

Jones/Minimus/Whymper/Hen..........Ray Hughes

Moses/Farmer/Bull...........................Gavin Baldwin

Farm Animals: Kirsty Harvey, Lauren Goodwin and Natalie Harris

Stage Management and Technical Team

  Anne Allsopp, Jenny Allsopp, Lara Crawford, Chris Bainbridge and David Crawford.

NODA Review by Lyn Emmerson

It is difficult to decide whether Animal Farm comes under the description of Drama, Comedy, Historical or Political, as there is a modicum of each in this relatively short theatrical piece, but nevertheless, a challenge for any Company to perform

The story tells of the farm animals becoming disillusioned with their lives as workers, providers, and at times almost slaves, for their human owners. Thus begins their new existence as their own bosses, and also their move out of the frying pan into the fire of Revolution, Unionism and Communism led by Ryan Davies who gave a commanding performance as, their self appointed leader, Napoleon the Pig.

The set was well thought out, showing the farmhouse, and adjacent yard, which was lit sombrely in keeping with the piece. Costumes were simple but it was easy to differentiate one animal from another. The Director and cast did a wonderful job of staging this play and all deserve congratulations, but I must mention Lorna Hughes as Narrator, who did a sterling job secreted in the corner of the stage. Her diction was excellent, audible without being too obvious.

The Company deserved a larger audience, but those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the evening, which was evident from the accolade Present Stage Theatre Company received.