“All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others.”

August 17th 2025 will mark the 80th Anniversary of the first publication of the famous novella by George Orwell – Animal Farm. He wrote his masterpiece while still reeling from the horrors of World War Two and in particular, as an allegorical warning about the dangers of totalitarian politics, the absolute corruption of those in power on the world stage, and the horrifying perils of divisive leadership which seeks to feather its own nest while hoodwinking the masses into believing that every decision is in their best interests. What better time to hear this most salient message again than in April 2025.

The plot is well known – a group of exploited animals rebel against their human tyrant farmer and seize the land that they live on in the hope of creating a world where they can be equal, happy and free. However, as is so often the way when power shifts, they soon have to face a very alarming question – is the grass truly greener on the other side? The farm quickly becomes a nightmarish abattoir – where the rich get richer and the poor are exploited to within an inch of their lives. This Leeds Playhouse and Stratford East co-production, in association with Nottingham Playhouse, is adapted by Tatty Hennessy and directed by Amy Leach. It promises to be thought-provoking and chilling in equal measure – a very timely reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and treachery.

The design of the piece is spectacularly sinister. Hayley Grindle’s set is two-tiered – the sleek glass farmhouse above and the farm below – very much showing that we are observing a two tiered system. The idyllic farmyard of the original story is nowhere to be seen in this adaptation – this is a factory farm and it is brutal, with cages like a prison and violence against the animals the order of the day. Costume is simple but effective – each creature has a blood-soaked uniform and is branded in some distinctive way. It is deeply unsettling. Coupled with Jai Morjaria’s lighting which indicates the mood board of the piece to perfection and an unnerving soundscape courtesy of Khalil Madovi, this is not an easy watch. It feels at times like an assault on the senses. The animals here bark, bray and snort, a feature I find a little off-putting at times, but which most definitely serves to remind us of their nature.

Farmyard noises aside, the performances at this evening’s Press Night are faultless. Tom Simper gives a masterclass as Squealer, the masterminding pig – cunning, ruthless and self-serving.

Joshua-Alexander Williams is quite simply terrifying in role as snarling and vicious guard dog Blue. Our sympathies lie completely with the hard working and noble carthorse Boxer (Gabriel Paul), whose betrayal by the dastardly pigs is presented in Biblical proportions. The emotional response of his partner Clover (Tianah Hodding) is beautifully portrayed.

Perhaps the most notorious character in the piece, Napolean, the dictator-leader of the new order is deliciously brought to life by Tachia Newall – a pompous and seemingly benign individual (the most dangerous tyrant of all) who believes his own propaganda and courts admiration from those who don’t see through the bluster and bumble. A very recognisable trope, I venture to say.

I love that this production is inclusive and accessible including integrated British Sign Language throughout.

There are so many ways in which this piece resonates with the world stage today: the seductive and creeping onset of authoritarianism in a time of mass misinformation; the erosion of objective truth; the desperately misguided lunacy of those who place all of their own eggs in the basket of the one who simply seeks to cook them.

Animal Farm stands the test of time because it tells the story of human nature. This production teases out the many rich layers of meaning within the farmyard allegory. It does not shy away from the brutality and horror of the original. Lord Acton once said “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. It is why we should always have a healthy suspicion of those who seek to rule and hold them to account with an unswerving determination. Now is the time to go and see this production. Don’t expect a cosy night out – it is a visceral and vicious rendering. Necessarily so. The story has never been more relevant than it is today.