“Some animals are more equal than others”.  We all know the quote, and maybe ages ago read the book. But Orwell’s 1944 satire on totalitarianism remains acutely relevant today, as we watch the populist playbook push our democracies towards authoritarianism. Orwell plots the process of accumulation of power and subversion of truth with chilling accuracy. In this new production, Guy Masterton directs the excellent Sam Blyth in the demanding solo role. The staging is simple but effective, moving the entire focus on to the actor playing all the animals (and a few humans), evoking many of the individual characters brilliantly. The piece could now do with a bit of editing, but it is still lucid and powerful theatrical storytelling.

Assembly George Square Studios, until 24 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Alan Cranston]