This summer sees the 80th anniversary of the publication of Animal Farm, George Orwell’s famous fable.

To celebrate, Theatre Workshop Coulsdon will be performing an adaptation of the story in the open air at the Coulsdon Manor Hotel on evenings from July 30 and through to August 9.

The storyline is well-enough known: an army of downtrodden farm animals rises up to overthrow their human oppressors. But their dream of a society where all animals are equal soon collides with the seductive allure of privilege and the corrupting nature of power. Before too long, the writing is on the wall – literally.

Animal Farm is a brilliant, biting satire on the Russian revolution of 1917, the rise of the Soviet Union, and the bloody, totalitarian regime of Josef Stalin.

Every character or group in the novel and every event that happens, however minor, represents a historical character, group or event that played a part in the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. This story of rebellion, heroism and ultimate betrayal is a consummate case study in how quickly power can corrupt, and how easily freedom can be stolen.

It’s a message which feels just as relevant today as it did at the end of the Second World War.

With free parking, or the service of the 466 bus, a bar and delicious hot pizza that can be ordered before curtain-up and have delivered for the interval, this is outdoor theatre at its best.

• Tickets are £12 (£9 concessions), and the run is Wednesday July 30 to Saturday August 2, and Tuesday August 5 to Saturday August 9. All seats are equal, but some are more equal than others. All performances at 7.45pm.
• More information and bookings, click here

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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