Performing arts students at Southwark College showed off their talents on 2 and 3 April when they put on three performances of the George Orwell classic, Animal Farm in the theatre space at Southwark.

The famous story of a group of animals who take control of the farm on which they live, is an allegory for the events of the Russian revolution in 1917.

Twelve Level 3 Second Year Drama students starred in this ambitious project, taking on iconic roles such as Old Major, the tragic hero Boxer, and the manipulative pigs Napoleon, Snowball and Squealer. It was an ensemble production with narrator, multi casting, a high level of physicality and stylistic set and costumes.

140 students, family and friends came to watch Animal Farm which was staged as a matinee and two evening performances.

Tutor Michael Palmer, who directed and designed the production, said: “The students really rose to the challenge of this demanding production and created a wonderful piece of theatre that talked to an audience of all ages on many different levels. This was a great example of the amazing talent we have within the college drama dept. and demonstrated their hard work and determination to perform at the highest level.”

Southwark College has an exceptional reputation for drama, with many students progressing to higher education, or gaining places at drama schools. Many former students are now forging successful careers on TV and in the West End.

Animal Farm cast was: Alexis Saward, Angelica Robinson, Freddy Ngalelafu, Jean Paul Quiroz Silva, Naomi Ojomo, Lewis May, Jefferson Espiritu, Rosy-Lee Hawkey, Deniz Nehir, Kristin Todorova, Precious Beach and Leshaun Walton Nelson.

Thanks go to Joseph Skelton and Jean-Paul Arroyo-Azancot for also taking part, and to Alex Arrowsmith for technical support.

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