Leamington's Loft Theatre is set to begin its 2026 season with a new staging of George Orwell's Animal Farm, a sharp and timely retelling of the classic political satire.

As part of The Loft's ongoing commitment to making theatre accessible to young people, Loft Theatre is continuing its free ticket offer for 16–25 year olds throughout 2026.

With Animal Farm still widely studied in schools and colleges, this production offers students an ideal opportunity to explore the story through live performance.

At once funny and frightening, delightful and devastating, Animal Farm charts the fall of idealism and the rise of tyranny after the animals of Manor Farm rise up against their oppressive human owner in a struggle for rights and equality.

Leamington's Loft Theatre is set to begin its 2026 season with a new staging of George Orwell's Animal Farm (image via Richard Smith Photography)

Peter Hall's critically acclaimed adaptation of Animal Farm, originally staged at the National Theatre in the 1980s, successfully translated Orwell's political allegory to the stage.

Fresh and witty, whilst remaining true to the savagery of Orwell's satirical novel, it features narrators and a cast of animals, using music and physicality to convey the story's themes of revolution, power and corruption.

Through text and song the play illuminates the succession of steps through which by persuasion, lies, force and propaganda, some of the animals become "more equal than others."

Cast of Animal Farm (image via Richard Smith Photography)

Discussing the play its Director Mark Crossley said: "Ever since its publication, the story has bristled with political parallels, most notably Orwell's withering view on how Communism corrupted itself. To some degree, this analogy sustains, but in this third decade of the 21st century, there are profound new resonances that speak afresh to current generations.

"This adaptation of the text has been created by the cast in tandem with the director, with a strong emphasis on ensemble physical theatre. Beyond the characters portrayed, the actors' fashion many of the scenic elements within the play as well as performing all the songs live. Remaining on stage throughout the entire show, this is a feat of endurance, collaboration and creative invention for the entire cast."

Animal Farm runs from Wednesday 21 until Saturday 31 January 2026 (image via Richard Smith Photography)

He added: "On that note, as director, it has been my genuine privilege to work alongside this creative team of cast, stage management, movement advisor and technical designers, and I wish to thank them for all their hard work and the embrace of uncertainty."

Tickets are available now via The Loft Theatre's box office. For more information and booking details, visit here, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 01926 830 680 (answer phone service).

To take advantage of the Loft's free ticket offer for theatregoers aged 16-25, either book in advance by emailing [email protected], or obtain your tickets at the Box Office on the night (please bring proof of age.)

Animal Farm runs from Wednesday 21 until Saturday 31 January 2026.