REVIEW: Animal Farm
Animal Farm
Queen’s College Gardens, 17 May - 20 May
For the most part Piers Barclay’s production of Orwell’s classic novel does not disappoint. A lot of work has clearly gone into the physical characterisation of the farmyard animals: the audience is consistently assaulted with grunts and snorts from a bestial chorus. Much of the play’s allegory relies on the group of pigs who gradually seize a despotic control over their animal brethren.
A sense of claustrophobia is achieved through the accumulation of their oppressive rules, mounted on banners around the stage: “All animals are equal... But some animals are more equal than others.” With Orwell’s creative satire of Communism downplayed to enhance the more timeless aspect of the novel’s themes, Animal Farm possesses all the components of a highly enjoyable and successful garden show.
11th May 2006