Pocklington School Newsletter Michaelmas Term 2017 | Page 6

Rave reviews for School production of Animal Farm
“The whole thing,
from staging,
lighting to
performances, was
absolutely amazing.”
“It was fab.
Totally fab...”
Animal Farm played to packed houses across
three nights in November. It was a visceral,
exciting and fast-moving interpretation of
George Orwell’s novel, in which the animals were
played without masks by mud-covered,
boiler-suit wearing students.
The use of gospel music was one of the many
highlights and had the audiences standing,
singing and clapping along at the end. The set
was extraordinary: a farmyard, complete with
agricultural machinery and straw bales.
Reviews have been the best the School has
received. All credit to the terrific cast, not least to
the Headmaster Mark Ronan who took on the
role of Mr Jones convincingly, alongside teacher
Adam Hall who played Old Major.
Mr Ronan praised Head of Drama Alan Heaven
for his clarity of vision and calm approach as
director. He added: “Alan gave those performing
a clear framework but also the space to engage
in developing the play. He was supportive and
positive throughout, which made it a pleasure to
be part of the cast.”
“It was astonishing
and we can’t stop
talking about it at
home.”
This was an outstanding piece of theatre:
original, intelligent and relevant for all of us
today, with its references to walls between
countries; the rise of far right and far left groups;
migration; dictatorships; modern slavery;
tribalism and the power of articulate educated
people to control the inarticulate and
under-educated.
The play, which was performed in the Tom
Stoppard Theatre, was an unforgettable
experience for the cast, crew and audience alike.
Feedback included:
“The whole thing, from staging, lighting to
performances, was absolutely amazing.”
“…would do credit
to any professional
production that I
have ever seen.”
“A play for our times. Everything was relevant.
Every bit of it. I could see Trump, Nigeria, Stalin,
Hitler, Brexit, religious persecution. It was
astonishing and we can’t stop talking about it at
home.”
“It was fab. Totally fab. Enjoyed the variety of
genres within it (love the homage to Williams’
‘Streetcar’!), the music, movement and set. A
combination of past and modern political
situations really hit home. Very clever.”
“What a brilliant production. The direction and
use of the stage was amazing, along with the
costume and set design. It immediately created
the darkness of the story.”
“The actors were brilliant – Mr Jones was
terrifying! We thought that the opening scene
was most effective and the lighting, music and
reoccurring metal noise very much added to the
show.”
“…would do credit to any
production that I have ever seen.”
professional
“The thought and detail that has gone into the
production is remarkable and all credit to you as
this added intensity to the performance with the
meticulously chosen music and choreographed
movement. I particularly enjoyed the music and
the shapes created on the stage which were most
affecting.”
“I remember reading the novel at school. This
just took it to a new level. Just wanted to say that
this was the most original and brilliant
production I have ever seen at the school, or
anywhere else as a matter of fact and well done
to all the cast and costumes and staging
especially the farmyard!”