Animal Farm

As the audience enter the space, they are greeted by Hayley Grindle’s dark and industrial set; cruel in its hard surfaces and harsh angles. Grindle’s dual role as both set and costume designer strengthens the production’s stark, uncompromising aesthetic. The brutalist-inspired set evokes the dehumanising nature of industrial farming, reinforcing the play’s themes of exploitation and control. However, while visually striking, this motif doesn’t always resonate throughout the production as strongly as it could.

The cast delivers a striking ensemble performance, bringing Orwell’s farmyard revolutionaries to life with intensity and commitment. Rather than relying on broad caricatures, the actors embody their animal counterparts through detailed physicality and movement. Gabriel Paul’s Boxer, the ever-loyal workhorse with unwavering determination, is particularly moving. Most striking was the detailed breathwork layered throughout his performance, adding visceral tragedy to the horse’s workload. The physical score of the show has clearly been shaped by the expert guidance of movement director Kane Husbands, whose work ensures that the physical storytelling is just as impactful as the dialogue.