Animal Farm

Exceptional theatre should challenge, educate and entertain and all these things were mastered in the recent production of Animal Farm. With its dark, political undercurrents and complex characters, this play is no easy task, yet the students rose to the challenge with creativity, energy and understanding. 

From the moment we entered the theatre, Mike Taylor’s set was technically brilliant and aesthetically stunning. Combined with James Dean’s inventive lighting design, the mood and feel of the tale was created before any actor stepped on stage. Clever lighting shifts and use of shadow helped to reinforce the increasingly dystopian tone as the story progressed.  

The cast delivered strong performances, with standout roles including George Russell Ross’s Napolean which was so authentic he left us all wondering if it’s actually the well-spoken, affable Tunbridge Wells schoolboy that is all an act! He captured that pig’s slow descent into tyranny with chilling precision. He was supported by the persuasive and manipulative Squealer, this master of language and rhetoric, thoughtfully and successfully brought to us by Ollie Coleman-Smith. 

The first and possibly most important monologue is delivered by Old Major, sharing a dream he had which lays the foundations of what is to come. Seth Williams drew us all in with his flawless and powerful performance. Equally commendable was the portrayal of Boxer by Nate Green, the hardworking horse whose emotional sincerity drew empathy and genuine sadness from the audience.  

The ensemble worked well together, maintaining character and a clear narrative arc throughout. Their faultless and consistent physical commitment to animal movement and quirks were both inventive and disciplined. They told the story through their body as well as their words, helping us to understand the subtle but noticeable change of some into more humanlike figures as they descend further into tyranny and betrayal.  

This production of Animal Farm was a testament to the talent and dedication of every single cast and crew member, whether on stage, set, sound/music, lighting, make up, costume, marketing, backstage or other support. It succeeded not just as a school play but as a thought-provoking piece of theatre.  

School plays at Skinners’ are consistently impressive, showcasing a high standard of talent and creativity. Helen Kirk is the driving force behind this, demonstrating again the school’s strong emphasis on the performing arts. Her passion and dedication are always evident through thoughtful direction, encouraging actors to find their very best performances. Assisted by Ellie Hill and Laurie Edwards, she definitely treated us to another fine example of the theatrical talent we have at Skinners’. These plays not only entertain but also provide our students with valuable opportunities to build confidence, teamwork and a passion for theatre which will hopefully always stay with them.  

Sara Edwards