'All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others.'
When the animals in the farmyard rebel against their tyrannical farmer and take control of the farm, they hope to create a world where they can be equal, happier and free. But as power shifts and a new leader emerges, they soon face the age-old question: what does it really mean to be equal?
Exploring loss of identity, the seductive allure of privilege, and the corrupting nature of political power, George Orwell's Animal Farm is a classic story of rebellion and treachery, and a timely reminder of the importance of resistance.
Tatty Hennessy's adaptation received its professional premiere in 2025, directed by Amy Leach, co-produced by Leeds Playhouse and Stratford East in association with Nottingham Playhouse, and performed at all three theatres. It was commissioned and first performed by the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain in 2021.
'Astounding... bracingly modern... an elemental power... Tatty Hennessy's bold yet elegant adaptation does not just carry Orwell's critique of Stalinist Russia, and the book's eternal message on the corrupting nature of power, but also bears resonances of the here and now... You feel these characters' stories as a human tragedy and the entire show pulsates with an immaculate and brilliant modernity. A must-see' - Guardian
'Tatty Hennessy's muscular, cogent adaptation... punchy and polished, blunt at times yet also sharp, subtle and intellectually harrowing... demonstrates how strongly Orwell's iconic political allegory can still speak to us today' - The Times
'Shockingly relevant... essential viewing... it's Animal Farm like you've never seen before... It all unfolds with magnetic, gritty storytelling... brutal and cruel, superbly effective... a complete, cohesive piece that does what theatre should do in times of crisis. It's alluring and alarming, thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking' - Broadway World
'Gripping, galvanising... Tatty Hennessy's extraordinary adaptation' - The Stage (2021)
'Clear-eyed and unfussy... heartrending... this is no charming pastoral folk story... a story that is as relevant as ever' - WhatsOnStage
'Every generation deserves a defining production of this school-syllabus favourite: one that kindles a rage in new audiences, and reignites it in returning viewers. Surely this is it' - The Stage (2025)
'Raw, vigorous and profound... Tatty Hennessy does a brilliant job at preserving the heart of the story and keeping the themes and messages true to the original tale whilst still making it feel fresh. Her script is devastating, funny and thought-provoking' - All That Dazzles
