Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Animal Farm

 
Rebecca Vines Review by Rebecca Vines 5 Published: 6 Aug 2025 Assembly George Square Studios Show Dates: 30 Jul 2025-24 Aug 2025

Sam Blythe is directed by Guy Masterson in this superb one-man adaptation of George Orwell’s seminal novella. The structure and characters of the original render it problematic to stage successfully, making this outstanding piece of theatre an especial treat for those keen to revisit this allegory of the Russian Revolution and commentary on totalitarianism.

A towering performance

That the history books are replete with tales of the good-natured, the simple and the trusting being manipulated by slick oracy, hollow promises and plain thuggery is no secret. But admission that our own times are – irrefutably – beset with such manipulative practices still carries the risk of an eyebrow raised in askance (at best), or a short trip to the nearest high window (at worst).

Blythe’s occasional nods to apposite moments in our own world drive home Orwell’s universal themes of impotence and outrage. And there is a delicious feeling, together in this darkened space, that we are complicit in this revolutionary act – in this telling of truths.

Blythe creates both humans and animals with an extraordinary physical capacity, conjuring the tragic and the risible in equal measure. A boorish Napoleon, the silliness of the sheep, coquettish Molly, obsequious Squealer, and an array of personalities are bounced between at impressive speed. But the stars of the show are Clover and Boxer, created with such tenderness and humanity that their sufferings force an almost physical weight on the audience, who must bear witness to their journeys.

Blythe's towering performance remains respectful to the source at all times, while breathing innovative new life into phrases that have become ingrained in our collective lexicon. This insistent, breathless piece should be on the Fringe shortlist for anyone interested in quality theatre – and an imperative for anyone interested in quality of life.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

Olivier winner Guy Masterson directs the phenomenal Sam Blythe in his legendary solo of Orwell's allegorical masterpiece, returning for its 30th anniversary. Blythe assiduously inhabits every quadruped on the farm: Boxer, Clover, Napoleon, Snowball, Benjamin, Molly, Muriel, Moses, dogs, sheep, hens, cows, ducks, cat – and Squealer is a tour de force! The political power of the work is undeniable and its inherent warning as shockingly poignant today as ever. I mean, it could never happen to us, could it? 'Animal magic! Not to be missed!' (BBC Radio). 'Some shows are more equal than others!' (Times).