Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 61 - Animal Farm

Robin & Jane are back — and this week they’re heading to The MAC to catch a blazing new production of Animal Farm from Tinderbox Theatre Company — running until 28th February, so there’s still time to grab your tickets! Based on the iconic novel by George Orwell, and adapted & directed by Patrick J O’Reilly, this production is already making waves as one of The Irish Times’ 20 headline plays of 2026. But this is not the Animal Farm you studied at school. Four women are detained after a protest in Belfast. Under interrogation, instead of answering questions, they begin quoting Orwell. What follows is a fierce, gripping clash around free speech, propaganda and censorship. As tensions rise, the interrogation room splinters — and Orwell’s text erupts into a visceral theatrical world where the protesters bring the story roaring to life. Over 80 years since Animal Farm first shook the page, this bold reimagining feels urgent, sharp and unmistakably of the moment. In this episode, Robin & Jane discuss: How this adaptation reframes Orwell for 2026 The power of performance in confined spaces The production’s political punch And whether this riotous reinvention lives up to the hype Tinderbox Theatre Company launches its 2026 season with energy, imagination and bite. 🎟️ Running until 28th February at The MAC Belfast — don’t miss it. Come and join the riot — and join Robin & Jane In The Stalls for the full review!