We are thrilled to announce the cast and creative team for our compelling new re-telling of George Orwell’s timeless fable – Animal Farm, a co-production with Derby Theatre and Hull Truck Theatre.

This striking new production that has been adapted for the stage by Ian Wooldridge and directed by esteemed theatre director, Iqbal Khan (East is East, Birmingham Rep & National Theatre, Tartuffe, Royal Shakespeare Company, Opening Ceremony of Commonwealth Games).

The show opens at the Octagon Theatre from Thursday 1 – Saturday 24 February before transferring to Derby Theatre from Wednesday 28 February – Saturday 16 March and Hull Truck Theatre Wednesday 27 March – Saturday 13 April.

We can now reveal the full cast for this anticipated new production.

The full cast includes Samater Ahmed (Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet, Box Clever Theatre Company); Sam Black (Cyrano De Bergerac, Harold Pinter Theatre and BAM New York, Simon Stephen Presents, Royal Exchange); Amy Drake (Classic!, Hope Mill Theatre and HER Productions, Peter Pan, Octagon Theatre Bolton); Polly Lister (Jekyll and Hyde, Derby Theatre and Queens Theatre Hornchurch, One Man Two Guvnors, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Theatre, Theatre by the Lake and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse); Killian Macardle (Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle, Mischief Theatre, UK tour of Groan Ups, Mischief Theatre and Kenny Wax); and Ida Regan (4 Walls, Derby Theatre, The Book Thief, Octagon theatre Bolton).

When the downtrodden animals of Manor Farm overthrow their master, they imagine it is the beginning of a new life of freedom and equality. However, over time they find themselves ensnared as one tyranny is quickly replaced with another.

Animal Farm is Orwell’s enduring and devastating satire about the corruption of power, that comments on the imbalance among society and demonstrates how some are more equal than others.

A story as relevant today as when it was written in 1945, this classic story will be brought vividly to life on stage in this gripping new production for 2024.

The creative team includes: Iqbal Khan (director); Jack Clearwater (assistant director); Ciaran Bagnall (set and lighting designer); Su Newell (costume designer and supervisor); Shelley Eva Haden (movement director); Dylan Towley (composer).

Commenting on the casting of the production, director Iqbal Khan said: “I’m so delighted to be back at the Octagon and working with this incredibly exciting company. They are largely from the region and represent the thrilling range of talent here. I cannot wait to develop and explore this urgent adaptation of this great parable with them.”

Animal Farm comes to the Octagon Theatre Bolton from Thu 1 – Sat 24 Feb.