Udderly Sensational,
‘Animal Farm’ is a
Roaring Success!
A review? Since when had I become an uptight, glasses at the end of my nose critic?! Seeing as my posts are usually rather moany, it's about time I post something that's actually positive! Being a member of Act One Drama Society at Cardiff University, you may presume that I'd be bias but nuh uh. After watching Act One's production of 'Animal Farm' at Llanover Hall it mooooo-ved me so much that I simply had to share my enthusiasm with you all.
Animal Farm is by no means a simple play to stage; an absolute classic piece of literature, this politically charged story requires a great deal of creativity, commitment and character. Having read (and loved) the book, yet never seeing a stage production of it, I was intrigued to see how this challenging show has been adapted.
To say that this play
exceeded my expectations is an understatement. Martin Newman, the director, has
produced a masterpiece of theatre. While Animal Farm was George Orwell's
response to his disillusionment with Communism, the play speaks to any dictatorial
form of government (and with so many pigs in the play, one can’t help but think
of our dear David Cameron).
Overthrowing their cruel master, the animals of
Manor Farm collectively begin to run the farm themselves.
The play is driven by an
incredible ensemble; their dynamic and bond on stage is enchanting and their ability
to embody their animal’s characteristics strengthens this sense of unity and
integrity on stage. Yet, although it is very much a collective piece, each
character sparks their own individuality, all distinguishable by their well-crafted
characterisation. The three pigs take authority over the animals and the farm, and
each performer exuded tenacity and confidence on stage – grunting at audience
members was particularly terrifying!
The movement on stage was remarkable; Lucy
Spain has done an incredible job of choreographing the play by incorporating
physical theatre both in discreet, ingenious moments but also the pinnacle
moments. Violence, pain, aggression and defeat are all spoken through the casts’
movement, from throwing one another across the stage to building human
pyramids, the audience were undoubtedly stuck to their seats.
I could write an entire blog about each individual
performer but we may be here sometime. I am not surprised that
this show has sold out and it is such a shame that there were only four
performances! From the extraordinarily constructed set of rags, to the imaginative
use of floor lighting, to the astounding costumes and face paint, I truly felt
as though I was watching a professional production, not an amateur one.
Martin Newman has more
than succeeded in producing a fantastic show. The best production that I have
seen this year, left lost for words by the end of the play, goose bumps galore,
I cannot comment the cast, crew and director enough for this absolute triumph.
I sincerely hope that Martin Newman continues to create such phenomenal
showpieces, there is a career destined for him.
*Round of a-paws*
*Round of a-paws*
And if you missed out on tickets? Gutted. Like a fish.
