“Orange is the New Black meets George Orwell”

A bold new adaptation of George Orwell’s iconic Animal Farm will receive its world premiere this February at the MAC in Belfast. Presented by the UK Theatre Award-winning Tinderbox Theatre Company, the production will run from 18 to 28 February 2026.

Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, this marks the first staging of Animal Farm in Belfast in over 25 years. Directed by Patrick J O’Reilly, this new reimagining transforms Orwell’s timeless satire into a modern protest for contemporary audiences.

Starring Jo Donnelly, Catriona McFeely, Clare McMahon and Susan Hoffmann, the story follows four women who are detained following a protest in Belfast. Under interrogation, they refuse to give straight answers, responding instead with passages from George Orwell’s Animal Farm. As the pressure mounts, the interrogation room begins to unravel as the women bring Animal Farm to life with wit, ferocity, and rebellion at its core.

Speaking as production gets underway, Patrick J O’Reilly, Artistic Director, Tinderbox Theatre Company, said:
“Orwell’s novel is timelessly relevant and a powerful testimony to revealing power and corruption in society. The way we protest has changed dramatically, with disruptive tactics now at the forefront. My creative response is to create a theatrical event that celebrates our right to protest through the lens of Orwell’s allegorical masterpiece. This is more than a play. It is an event. A call to action.”

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added:
“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support Tinderbox Theatre Company with this fresh take on a much-loved classic. With such a talented cast and creative team, Animal Farm promises to be a show to remember. I would encourage everyone to go along and enjoy.”

Having recently relocated Yerma to the Irish borderlands and reimagined Rhinoceros as a glitchy 1980s video game world, Tinderbox are on a strong run with Animal Farm being cited as one of the Top 20 plays to see in 2026 by the Irish Times.

Experience the power of protest. Experience the power of live theatre. Experience Animal Farm this February at the MAC. For tickets and further information, please visit www.themaclive. com.