Sam Blythe takes to the stage at Edinburgh Fringe this summer in Guy Masterson’s acclaimed solo adaptation of Animal Farm.
“Guy Masterson directs the phenomenal Sam Blythe in his legendary solo of Orwell’s allegorical masterpiece, returning for its 30th anniversary.
Blythe assiduously inhabits every quadruped on the farm: Boxer, Clover, Napoleon, Snowball, Benjamin, Molly, Muriel, Moses, dogs, sheep, hens, cows, ducks, cat – and Squealer is a tour de force!
The political power of the work is undeniable and its inherent warning as shockingly poignant today as ever. I mean, it could never happen to us, could it?”
Where: Studio One at Assembly
When: 30 Jul-24 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/animal-farm
Sam opens up about Orwell and taking on the baton of this solo show.
Taking on a solo version of Animal Farm, especially directed by the man who has gained such acclaim with it, must be daunting. What’s the process been like to make it your own?
It has certainly been a challenge! I think I’m in a uniquely privileged position in that I am being directed by the person who has been living this show for decades.
I can’t imagine that there have been many actors in similar situations! This has certainly helped speed up the process of finding the truth and nuance to all of the (many!) characters I play.
That being said, Guy Masterson has allowed enough space for me to find my own way of embodying the various physicalities and vocalities demanded by the show, and our process of working together has never felt dictatorial.
Do you think the book and characters still speak to us today?
It’s a depressing fact that Orwell’s words only seem to become more relevant with every passing year. It’s almost as if our illustrious leaders read what was meant to be a stark warning and thought “yes, that sounds like a brilliant idea”.
Of course, neither Guy or myself could resist the opportunity of throwing in a couple of direct barbs at the current bunch of ideologues running the show….so keep your eyes and ears peeled. No spoilers!
How did you get started in theatre? Do you find Fringe festivals inspiring?
My father, Robert Blythe, was an incredibly talented actor.
Like any good teenager, I steadfastly refused to follow in his footsteps and managed to avoid the stage until I was half bullied by a friend at university to audition for the Cardiff Uni Amdram society (big shout out to Act One).
I was cast as John Proctor in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and two weeks into rehearsal I called up my dad to let him know I was considering applying to drama school….
Despite his protests about being cursed with financially unviable offspring (his first two children, my half sisters, are also in the industry), I like to think he was secretly pleased…
What are you looking forward to the most in Edinburgh?
Being surrounded by the most wonderful and talented people in the world.
Last year was my first time at the Edinburgh Fringe with my One-Man Hamlet (which returns to Assembly this year) and it absolutely changed my life.
There’s nothing like seeing other people’s work to fuel the fires of creativity, and I look forward to filling up my cup once more.
What’s next for the show after Fringe?
We have a few dates already booked for Animal Farm in September and October at various venues across the UK.
Aside from theatre, my other main passion is travelling, so I’m hoping that between Animal Farm and Hamlet I can make 2026 one big long mystery tour of places I’ve never been.