George Orwell's 1945 satire on the perils of Stalinism has proved magnificently long-lived as a parable about totalitarianism anywhere - and has given the world at least one immortal phrase: Everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others.

This new dramatisation sticks very closely to the book and retains both its affection for the animals and the incisiveness of its message.

Northern Stage Theatre Company are taking it on a year-long tour of England, Scotland, Wales - and Romania.

The book contains a helpful set of production notes intended for schools and other groups wishing to stage this version of Animal Farm.