Animal Farm, British Youth Music Theatre Review
Written by Katie
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Animal Farm is a key novel in history, well read and well studied since its release way back in 1945. Originally written by George Orwell, this time British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT) is giving it a new lease of life in the form of a pop-folk musical.
BYMT is a unique opportunity for 11-21 year olds to get a taste of professional musical theatre. It supports emerging artists to further their training and career, working collaboratively on bespoke new shows that resonate with their casts. This reimagined version of the classic story certainly packs a punch, and although was originally conceived as an allegory for communism in the Soviet Union, has never been a more appropriate reflection of the current world we live in, and the social injustice we experience daily in the 21st century.
As the lights dim, and the band begin, we are transported to a busting farm under the oppressive rule of Mr Jones. Amidst the clucking of chickens and the bleating of sheep, a stirring rebellion brews, led by the visionary pigs, Napoleon and Snowball. What begins as an audacious quest for equality soon transforms into a tale of betrayal, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power.
Writer & director Ellie Jones has done an absolutely stellar job of bringing this unique vision to life, maintaining the profound messaging, while infusing it with the vibrancy and energy of musical theatre.
You might think that because this is a young cast, that the musical numbers would go easy on these performers, but that is far from the truth! Composer Rebecca Levy and Lyricist Tom Ling push the vocal talents of these young people to professional standards, showcasing their outstanding vocal maturity in a mixture of classic show tune style, combined with a new pop-folk feel. The score in itself was a masterpiece, moving the fable along with perfect pace to allow us to understand and empathise with the characters, yet not allowing it to become static, and I adored it.
This was a great show for the ensemble, who barely spent any time off stage and really injected life into the work, but there were certainly some standout performers in the cast. Summer Bindley-Carr, as Mollie the horse, gave us the most beautiful and innocent portrayal of her character. Her duet with Maya Goswami, Mr Jones wife, Anna was a show stealer for me, sounding something akin to ‘I’m Not That Girl’ from Wicked, and I was left an emotional wreck. Well done girls.
Mackenzie Winnall, playing Mr Jones himself was a real commanding presence on the stage and surprised me most with his vocal performance. In this version of the story, not only do we see the cruel and neglectful farmer, but we are also given an insight into the harsh reality of his own life, and are given a really vulnerable side to this otherwise drunk and uncaring man, which I loved.
Both Amy Bennett as Napoleon and Ezra Jones as Snowball played well against each other into the lust for power, giving us a whole host of musical delights including a wrap that mirrored Hamiltons ‘Cabinet battles’. After Snowball, the ‘thinker’ of the rebellion, mysteriously disappears, Bennett takes Napoleons thirst for control to the next level, giving us Whitney houston-like vocals and an authoritative stage presence that perfectly reflects her unchallenged belief that she belongs in complete control of the farm.
Finally, the relationship between horses Clover (Tess Harper) and Boxer (Jonathan Chant-Stevens) was beautiful to watch. These two young actors brought a maturity and sincerity to the characters that went well beyond their years and their final duet was utterly gut wrenching.
The team kept the costume very simple, with coloured t-shirts embroidered with character names and animal types. Although this style kept the show from becoming too cartoonish, I did feel this could have been stylised a bit further and some of it got a bit confusing when we had plain green t-shirts. I understand these were the ‘immigrants’, but it did get a little muddy.
Although at first, I was somewhat sceptical of such a rogue choice for a new musical, this dystopian story was a fabulous choice to showcase such a talented ensemble. It was well developed, well rehearsed and a super slick presentation. It was the perfect comment on the complexity of power and distortion of truth that is needed in the current climate, and a great one for young people to start to understand that themselves.
It’s a shame there were a couple of sound issues from the mics, but this isn’t down to the performers themselves, so I can’t be too harsh there.
Overall, this show was the perfect example to anyone, that young people really can match the professional west end stage. Its originality and uniqueness was unmatched, with gutsy direction and a stellar cast to bring the dream to life. These actors are undoubtedly the stars of the future, and I am so excited to see what happens next for each and every one of them.
Animal Farm is at The Birmingham Hippodrome until 7th April, but keep your eyes out for MYBTs future productions, which are sure to be hit after hit and give us some of the West End biggest successes!
★ ★ ★ ★
