Audiences were left spellbound after enjoying the first Bedford School drama production in 18 months: Animal Farm, George Orwell’s enduring parable on the perils of totalitarianism. Orwell’s menacing and thought-provoking tale was played out by a talented group of boys to a full crowd in our Quarry Theatre at all three performances.
This chilling adaptation, by Ian Wooldridge, was chosen by the Drama Department as it remained true to Orwell’s story – this was something the boys and staff felt strongly about, wanting to capture the essence of the original novel.
The cast was made up of boys of all ages, from Fourth Form right through to Upper Sixth, all of whom threw themselves into character, adopting many of the nuances that Orwell created, as well as giving some superb displays of animal physicality. The talented cast were supported by a backstage crew of boys, who took on roles in lighting, staging and sound. Every job was deemed important to keep the ‘show on the road’ with no one person being the star of the show. Every single boy involved had a task and whether that was acting or running the mic checks, all were equally important. It was a huge collaborative effort.
The set design was very rustic and multi-textured, with an industrial feel to it. Different levels, and the use of a ramp, lent themselves well to the hierarchy and status of the government as the characters moved around the stage. The original score, played by a live orchestra, helped to create a haunting atmosphere, especially as we started to see how the animals were manipulated and tricked as the propaganda started to take hold.
The music used throughout the performance proved remarkably effective, bringing an added dimension to the tale – it gave dramatic irony to the foolishness of the character of Boxer (the horse) played by Lower Sixth Former Luca Moretto, who so strongly wanted to stand by his morals and principles. From the very beginning, it was hard not to like this captivating and endearing character, or even feel anything but pity for him when his naivety and ignorance showed as the lies, delivered by the sleazy character of Squealer, so expertly played by Remove Former Millan Verwoert, rewrote history and laid bare a very different world.
Antoinette Keylock, Director of Animal Farm and Head of Academic Drama, enthused, “Wow – what a final night of Animal Farm. This cast have been a joy to work with – we are very proud of their professionalism on and off stage. They have been supported by a brilliant backstage crew – all boys have been resilient and focused; it has been a privilege to work with such a talented, kind and humble bunch.”
One member of the audience said afterwards, “Amazing performance by such talented young men. They had us enthralled. Well done to the actors and the whole production team for yet another superb delivery! Orwell would have been proud of what this cast and crew achieved.”
Local news publication Bedford Independent gave their verdict in a review: ‘Poignant Performance by Bedford School of Orwellian classic at Quarry Theatre.’
