Edgware entertainer adapts Animal Farm for stage

Dov Citron, known locally as children's party entertainer Captain Calamity, is presenting a one-man theatrical adaptation of George Orwell's Animal Farm. The production is scheduled to run at Barons Court Theatre from 29 September to 3 October 2026.

Citron, who is based in Edgware, will portray every character in the adaptation of Orwell's 1945 allegorical novel. The story, which uses farm animals to represent figures and events of the Russian Revolution, is intended by Citron to be a serious commentary on the corrupting influence of power, rather than a comedic piece. Preview audiences have described the show as 'thought-provoking' and 'dark', according to Barnet Post.

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Focus on Moses the Raven

A notable departure from Orwell's original text in Citron's adaptation is the increased focus on Moses the Raven. While a minor character in the novel, Citron's interpretation positions Moses as a constant observer and a symbol of hope for the animals. Citron describes this character as an 'anchor' and an 'ambiguous figure', whose presence prompts questions about his origins and the stories he tells.

Staging a solo performance presents significant challenges, requiring Citron to create distinct characters and their physicalities without assistance. He told Barnet Post that the process involved finding subtleties and carefully defining each character without resorting to caricature, particularly within the stripped-back setting of Barons Court Theatre.

Future Plans

Citron expressed a desire for his production to elicit a strong response from audiences, encouraging them to form opinions about the play's themes. He aims to demonstrate the continued relevance of Animal Farm and its parallels to contemporary leadership. Following the London run, Citron intends to tour the production to schools, allowing it to be studied alongside the book.