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All’s Well That’s Orwell
Animal Farm
By George
Orwell
Newcastle Northern Stage
Thursday 3rd
– Saturday 5th March 2016
Alnwick
Playhouse
Wednesday
23rd March 2016
Adapted
for the stage by Ian Wooldridge
Directed
by Mark Calvert
Performed
by NORTH 2016: Craig Fairbairn, Millie Harris, Dale Jewitt, Katherine Pierce
& William Wyn Davies
It
was always going to be a challenge to take on the well known George Orwell
story and to produce something new. Northern Stage’s young North 2016 company
have pulled it off, under the careful handing of direction Mark Calvert and
assistant director Maria Crocker. They have injected passion, music and a sense
of purpose to create something that feels fresh and very relevant.
 |
| The cast of NORTH 2016 in Animal Farm
Photo: Topher
McGrillis.
|
Orwell’s
story was first published in 1943 and yet it is still relevant today. The tale
of how a revolution loses its direction and changes little, except for the
worse has been given a clear narrative. The story begins without any nods to
the eventual ending.
Mr
Jones, the farmer has hit the bottle and is starting to neglect the animals.
One pig, the Old Major, knows his end is near but sets out a scenario of
revolution to the other animals. A world in which the animals become their own
masters and no longer answerable to the two legged foe that are the humans. A
society in which all animals are equal.
Shortly after the old Major’s death, Mr Jones returns to the farm from
the pub a little worse for wear and the animals take advantage to seize control
and drive him away. The resultant farm is to be run by the animals for the
animals. A set up in which animals don’t hurt animals nor do they co-operate
with humans. It isn’t long before the pigs, under the watchful eye of Napoleon,
start calling the shots.
 |
|
Dale Jewitt
from NORTH in Animal Farm
Photo: Topher
McGrillis.
|
The
company of five have a number of characters to cover and without resorting to
masks or costume changes they pull it off. Throw in a large feeling of cabaret,
and the tale unfolds in a clear confident manner. Adding to the mix are the fact that this
group can play instruments and sing and hence it makes perfect sense for
Orwell’s song to come alive. Right at the beginning the audience are given a
treat as Millie Harris and Katherine Pierce duet to the tune created by Dale
Jewitt, William Wyn Davies and Craig Fairbairn. The combination of guitar and
drums continues to supplement the tension throughout the narrative.
 |
|
Katherine
Pierce and Millie Harris
Photo: Topher McGrillis |
The
set design allows the plot, and music, to flow. In particular the shadow play
with drunken Mr Jones was a clever combination of lighting and a creative
cast. Numerous doors, planks and
trestles provide the platform, and the constructions, as the story develops.
 |
|
Craig
Fairbarn & William Wyn Davies
Photo: Topher McGrillis |
The
production feels very fresh and relevant as the ensemble remain faithful to the
original book. Yet the story feels bright and entertaining, which will be
essential when it tours the secondary schools in the coming weeks. There is an exciting energy from all 5 cast
members that helps make this a most memorable production. There is an exciting
future ahead for this group of actors. They return to Northern Stage with their
next production Growth from the 21st
– 23rd April. Early booking is recommended as Animal Farm has sold extremely
well, and deservedly so.
This
review was written by Stephen Oliver for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo.
Read the North East Theatre Guide preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/preview-animal-farm-on-tour.html
Tickets:
Animal Farm is at Northern Stage from the 3rd
to the 5th March, and at the
Alnwick Playhouse on Wednesday 23rd March. The tour includes 10 schools
in Teesside, County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne
& Wear. For more information or to book tickets visit www.northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/animal-farm
or call the box office on 0191 230 5151. To find out more about NORTH, visit www.northernstage.co.uk/north/what-is-north
Recommended age 12+.
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