Animal Farm by Tatty Hennessy is a dark adaptation of the original novel by George Orwell. The play explores loss of identity, the pull of privilege, and the intoxicating nature of political power. This production will be heavily ensemble based with a 14 strong cast multi-roling as humans and animals alike. There will be a focus on movement within the production, but we encourage those with all abilities to audition.
This production will be directed by Tia Winterbottom, a former HYC member and facilitator, with a theatre background specialising in movement.
Production dates:
Five performances Wednesday17th – Saturday 20th March 2027 (including Saturday Matinee)
All performers will need to be available for the whole week commencing 14th March.
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals commence 17th November 2026.
Rehearsals will take place mainly on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings from mid November. The exact schedule will be developed once cast and the availability of individuals is known. Those cast MUST be available for the first two rehearsals (17th November 19:00-22:00 and 24th November 19:00-22:00).
Auditions:
Auditions will be held on Tuesday 3rd November 19:00-22:00 and Sunday 8th November 10:00-13:00.
Due to the nature of the production, unfortunately no self-tape opportunity can be granted. If you wish to audition and cannot make these dates, please let us know by emailing headgateyc@gmail.com.
All those aged 16-21 by the production dates are eligible to audition (year 12 upwards).
The production will have a strong movement element, but do not let lack of experience discourage you from auditioning.
Please note: there are elements of violence and oppression in the play, we would advise you to consider this and if it may affect you before signing up to audition.
Audition Format:
The audition will take place in a workshop format and will feature three main parts. The first part will feature a small movement workshop. Please do not worry if you do not have experience/ are not comfortable with movement, as the workshop can be taken at your own pace. We will not be looking for the best movers to cast, just those who are willing to give it a go! This will be followed by a section exploring the physicality and voice of some of the animal characters within the script. The audition will finish with some script work.
Plot:
Tatty Hennessy’s ‘Animal Farm’ is a dark adaptation of the original novel by George Orwell. The play explores loss of identity, the pull of privilege, and the intoxicating nature of political power. This production will be heavily ensemble based with a 14 strong cast multi-roling as humans and animals alike. There will be a focus on movement within the production, but we encourage those with all abilities to audition.
When the animals of Manor Farm rebel against the tyrannical farmer, they take control of the farm and its resources, determined to build a society founded on equality, freedom, and happiness. For the first time, the animals are responsible for their own work, education, and food, and they dream of a future free from exploitation and suffering. However, as power begins to shift, tensions soon emerge. Ambitious new leaders compete for influence. What begins as a hopeful revolution gradually develops into a struggle for control, leaving many to question whether the ideals of the rebellion are being upheld.
As the animals settle into their supposedly liberated way of life, they are forced to confront a timeless and challenging question: What does it really mean to be equal? Through their experiences, the animals begin to discover that true equality is far more complicated than they first imagined.
Character Overviews:
Some of the characters listed will be doubled and played by the same actor, there are also likely to be other unnamed farmhand and animal roles. There will be elements of gender blind casting.
Newsreader: Official and clipped in manner and movements. Somewhat objective.
Farmer Jones: The original owner of Manor Farm. He is terrifying, neglectful and irresponsible.
Farmer Pilkington: Owner of neighbouring farm. He is neater than Jones but just as cruel.
Benjamin: A donkey. Wise and cynical, he keeps his cards close to his chest.
Blue: A dog. An incredibly loyal enforcer of authority.
Boxer: A horse. Hardworking and devoted, his determination means he is loved by all.
Clara: A hen. Very ordinary, she just wants a simple life.
Clover: A horse. Her maternal instincts and caring nature make her a strong character. She cares deeply for the other animals on the farm.
Milo: A pigeon. Energetic and comical, he directly addresses the audience to give them an insight as to the events that are occurring.
Minimus the Pig: A pig. Creative and enthusiastic, he is led by his ideas and believes he is more useful than he is.
Minty: A sheep. Cheerful and trusting, a sheep in metaphor and reality.
Mollie: A horse. Vain and light-hearted, she enjoys comfort.
Napoleon: A pig. Strong-willed and ambitious. There is a cruel streak but it is well hidden.
Nutmeg: A pig. A strong supporter of the revolution, who can be surprisingly persuasive.
Old Major: A pig. Wise and respected elder who sows the first seeds of revolution to the animals.
Snowball: A pig. Intelligent but open with his ideas, he is passionate about improving life for animals.
Squealer: A pig. Clever and persuasive with a talent for propaganda.
If you have any questions, please email headgateyc@gmail.com