Review: ANIMAL FARM, Nottingham Playhouse - Tour

Photo credit: Kirsten McTernan

80 years since George Orwell’s classic novel was published, Animal Farm is coming to the end of a UK tour. This excellent new production, which was deservedly nominated at the 2025 Olivier Awards for Best New Production in Affiliate Theatre, now plays at Nottingham Playhouse.

Animal Farm is remarkably, and perhaps terrifyingly, relevant to today’s world, exploring deeply political and societal themes. Set on a farm where the humans treat the animals very badly, the story follows what happens when the animals force the humans out and start to run the farm themselves. What starts off as being a wholesome and well motived uprising quickly becomes something far more divisive, as individuals take it upon themselves to become the leaders.

Amy Leach’s production is very well staged. Combined with Hayley Grindle’s set design, a sense of claustrophobia is captured. No one can escape those who are trying to rule over the others. It would, however, be helpful to have some additional set elements to make it clear where we are. Usually it doesn’t impact on the narrative, but often it’s difficult to tell whether we are in a barn, a field or somewhere else. Leach leads her cast in walking the perfect balance between being animalistic and moving like their animals, whilst also ensuring they feel fully human with deeply human emotions. Grindle’s costumes only enhance this, making the cast look human with animalistic elements. This does, however, mean the moment the pigs virtually become human doesn’t feel quite as impactful as it could – the human items of clothing they adorn don’t look significantly different to how the other animals appear.

Kane Husbands’ movement direction works wonderfully in tandem with Kate Waters’ fight direction. This production doesn’t shy away from the violence of the narrative, making it even more impactful to watch. Jai Morjaria’s lighting and Khalil Madovi’s sound design enhance the intensity of these moments.

Lucy Casson CDG has assembled a fantastic cast for this production. Tachia Newall gives a commanding performance as Napoleon, alongside Tom Simper who is perfectly villainous and scheming as Squealer, leading Napoleon to make poor decisions but never getting the blame. Robin Morrissey plays opposite Newall very well as Snowball, but sadly doesn’t get as much stage as we’d have liked.

Tianah Hodding is an outstanding leading lady as Clover. She captures the naivety of Clover perfectly, whilst building heart warming on stage relationships with Brydie Service as Clara and Gabriel Paul as Boxer. She breaks your heart as she realises how blind she has been to Napoleon and Squealer’s immoral leadership. Service is equally heartbreaking in her performance, really capturing the emotion behind a mother being split from her children (or in this case a hen being split from her eggs and potential chicks). Paul has a strong stage presence throughout, someone the audience can easily root for, with David Nellist providing great contrast as the pessimistic (or possibly just realistic) Benjamin.

Shakeel Kimotho does a lovely job with her limited stage time as Mollie. She gives a passionate performance, highlighting that just because someone disagrees with the majority doesn’t mean they are necessarily wrong. Farshid Rokey brings some fun to the show as Minty in what would otherwise be a very heavy play, Everal A Walsh is a delight to watch as the short lived Old Major, and Joshua-Alexander Williams gives an energetic and intense performance as Blue. Kaya Ulasli completes the cast as Jones, and manages to make the audience despise him very quickly despite minimal dialogue.

This production of Animal Farm is a visceral and moving theatrical experience. With some sublime direction and a stellar cast, this is a show that should not be missed.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jacob Bush

Animal Farm plays at Nottingham Playhouse until 12 April, with further info here.

Photo credit: Kirsten McTernan