The 2026 Shell Play brought a vibrant, colourful and energised production of Animal Farm to the Ellis Theatre last week.
Tatty Hennessy’s adaptation of Orwell’s prophetic allegory was effectively directed in physical storytelling by Lara Lawman and costumed for the 21st century zeitgeist by Ellen Gifford and Claire Allott. Paul Cox’s levelled structure enabled imposing hierarchical images, innovatively lit by Casper Hawkins and supported by an unforgiving soundscape as a platform on which the tale could unfold.
Jasper W, Jessy P, Nell G, Inigo V G and Octavia B formed a convincing ruling cohort of dictatorial pigs and did a great job sustaining a menacing undercurrent to the action. Their team of victims was led by moving performances from Max E, Grace C-S and Annabelle B playing the horses increasingly crushed by their workload, and also by Reina B playing Clara the hen with increasing desperation. Summer W playing Minty the sheep provided a strong voice of reason throughout the performance while Bella T and Harrisson M (Benjamin the donkey and Blue the dog) competently represented the helpless obedience of those at the bottom of the status chain. Wilfie B and Olivia S gave admirable interpretations of the two farmers in their valiant attempts to subvert the revolution, and an outstanding ensemble of animals drove the energy forwards to a climactic conclusion. All of this was brilliantly stage managed by Louisa L who kept a tight control of the animals in the wings.
These young Shell actors impressed and captivated their audiences for three successive nights, and left us in no doubt that the future of Marlborough Drama is in safe hands.
Congratulations to all involved.
Jane Darby
Drama Department
