Our Summer 2025 open air production is a new adaptation of one of the most celebrated novels of the Twentieth Century – George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’. It’s fast, furious, and a surprising amount of fun – despite the serious message of Orwell’s famous fable.
It’s the 80th anniversary of ‘Animal Farm’ (published 1945), in which an army of downtrodden farm animals rises up to overthrow their human oppressors.
Blackly comic, this famous tale of rebellion, heroism and ultimate betrayal is a case study in how quickly power corrupts, and how easily freedom can be stolen. A message which feels as relevant today as it did when Orwell was writing at the end of the Second World War.
IMPORTANT
Weather: we expect the weather to be generally pretty good through our two weeks in the open air, but if it’s looking at all dicey on the day of any performance, we’ll post live updates here to confirm that the show is going ahead.
Traffic: With impeccable timing, the bottom of Stoat’s Nest Road (B2030) is closed for gas mains repairs from 3 August. If you’re coming to Coulsdon Manor from the A23, you’ll need to drive via Old Lodge Lane and Hartley Down, or via Marlpit Lane (B276) and Stoneyfield Road, and thence back down the Coulsdon Road to Coulsdon Manor.
Practical information – please read:
There’s plenty of parking at the hotel, which is a two-minute walk from the woodland area where the play takes place. As usual, we’ll be running buggy rides down to the theatre area for anyone with mobility issues. (And back up afterwards!)
There’s an outdoor bar selling wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks. And before the show starts you can order freshly prepared pizzas, delivered for you to enjoy at the interval.
Audience seating is on a first come, first served basis. Feel free to come early to bag the best positions.
Please bring something to sit on – ideally a low-backed chair that won’t block the view of people behind you. Or, if you’re feeling limber, just a rug or blanket to sit on at the front.
Please do bring warm clothing, because even on hot Summer days it can get chilly by the end of the evening.
The running time of the play is around two hours, including an interval. The performance will conclude by around 10pm.
