Why? Because if you don't like Shakespeare you will like this.

Where? The Oxford Castle former prison exercise yard. How? With a lot of blood, sweat and tears.

And with the play opening on Thursday you can find out for yourself.

"It's a really strong story and a dynamic, exciting and clear piece," Joanna enthuses.

"But then the story needs to be really engaging because it's staged outside without the luxury of a theatre, so it had to be a robust piece to focus the attention.

"But it's also very witty and depicts characters still relevant today.

"Ultimately Animal Farm is about the effect of power corrupting, and this is a bold adaption and a dramatic telling of the story.

"Only last week an article in The Times pointed out the parallels between Orwell's pigs and Robert Mugabe. And as the main characters are animals it's very theatrical," she explains.

So who's going to be coming to see it?

"Well if you don't like Shakespeare you'll love Animal Farm because it's more modern, but is also easy to understand.

"And it's short, sharp and at 6pm every day so there's still time to make an evening of it and go and do something else afterwards," Joanna laughs.

So is this out of Creation's comfort zone?

"Well yes," Joanna adds, "and I suppose they could have put on another family show like Robin Hood, because Animal Farm is certainly for ages 10+.

"But the fact that it's set in a former prison exercise yard sets the scene, where you are surrounded by walls and bars, which is perfect for the piece and the atmosphere. So the space has dictated the design."

Animal Farm is the final production of Creation Theatre Company's most ambitious season yet and joins the company's three other summer shows - Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare's Saints and Sinners and A Midsummer Night's Dream, all on view in different locations around Oxford this summer.

Call the box Office 01865 766266 or book online at www.creationtheatre.co.uk