Nottingham Playhouse, Stratford East and Leeds Playhouse have revealed the cast and creative team for Tatty Hennessy’s new adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm.
In the year Orwell’s political fable marks its 80th anniversary, Amy Leach will direct Tianah Hodding (Clover), Shakeel Kimotho (Mollie), Robin Morrissey (Snowball), David Nellist (Benjamin), Tachia Newall (Napoleon), Gabriel Paul (Boxer), Em Prendergast (Milo), Everal A Walsh (Old Major), Farshid Rokey (Minty), Brydie Service (Clara), Tom Simper (Squealer), Kaya Ulasli (Jones) and Joshua-Alexander Williams (Blue). The cast includes deaf and disabled performers.
The creative team comprises set and costume designer Hayley Grindle, lighting designer Jai Morjaria, sound designer Khalil Madovi, movement director Kane Husbands, casting director Lucy Casson CDG, fight director Kate Waters, assistant director Jordi M Carter, deaf creative / BSL consultant Stephen Collins, audio description consultants Vicky Ackroyd and Esther Irving, integrated BSL interpreter Rachael Merry, lead BSL interpreter Sarah Cox, production manager Mick Cassidy and company stage director Steve Cressy.
Leach said, “I can’t wait to start exploring Orwell’s timeless fable with this incredible group of people. Their insights and energy will enable us to delve deeper into themes that relate to the unequal world we live in now and to the challenges we face when power goes unchecked and unity is mired in division.
“Working with these amazing actors is going to be a real treat. Our superb creative team and I are creating a recognisable and relatable industrial landscape for our cast to explore. It’s going to be a beautiful, challenging journey for us all.”
Animal Farm will open at Stratford East from Friday 7 February until Saturday 8 March before visiting Leeds Playhouse from Wednesday 12 until Saturday 29 March and Nottingham Playhouse from Wednesday 2 until Saturday 12 April 2025.