NEWS: Chilling new production of Animal Farm marks 80th anniversary of iconic fable

Directed by Amy Leach, with Design by Hayley Grindle, this adaptation by Tatty Hennessy is a chilling and thought-provoking story of treachery and rebellion and provides a timely reminder of the perils of unchecked power.

This dark, contemporary retelling of Orwell’s classic novel, first published in 1945, will open at Theatre Royal Stratford East in February 2025 before transferring to Leeds Playhouse in March and arriving at Nottingham Playhouse in April 2025.

Director Amy Leach and Designer Hayley Grindle, whose recent productions of Macbeth and Oliver Twist have stunned audiences with their originality, scale and creativity, are once again coming together to create an epic landscape for this landmark production.

Amy Leach, Deputy Artistic Director at Leeds Playhouse, said:

“I can’t wait to explore Orwell’s timeless fable and to expand on his multi-layered text to delve deeper into themes that relate to the world we live in now, to the challenges we face when power goes unchecked, and unity is mired in division.

“In the year that we will be celebrating the 80^th anniversary of this landmark allegorical story, Tatty Hennessy’s fresh interpretation will be very much of the moment. Designer Hayley Grindle and I are creating an industrial landscape for our cast to explore this chilling tale of treachery and rebellion – a recognisable, relatable world that will prompt us to question whether it’s possible for anyone to stay true to themselves and resist the allure and corruption of power.”

Set and Costume Designer Hayley Grindle said:

“It’s fascinating to immerse myself in Tatty Hennessy’s adaptation of Animal Farm. Creating the world alongside Amy, we are conjuring pictures that convey circumstances and stories that so many people are experiencing today. The set and costume design aims to allow the audience to evoke their own ideas of what they see in the world around us and what happens to individuals when we are on the brink of change.” 

When a group of exploited animals rebel against their human farmer-tyrant and take control of the land they live on, they hope to create a world where they can be equal, happy and free. As power shifts and a new leader emerges, they soon face the age-old question: is the grass truly greener on the other side?

All performances of Animal Farm will have creative audio description available.