HE’S been on an epic one-man world tour with a show that has taken him to ‘every corner of the globe’.

And now Guy Masterson, will perform the political tale of Animal Farm in Darwen, for the third time since he was last there in 2003.

Directed by Tony Boncza, the show has received rave reviews from across the world, and Guy has been praised for his theatrical and educational performance by all.

Based on the novel written by George Orwell in 1945, the story is performed with a bale of hay at centre stage and exactly two props.

The show is as popular today as the novel ever was in post-war Britain, according to Guy.

“The show has taken me to every corner of the globe,” he said. “I have been lucky enough to see some parts of the world that I never thought I would.

“If you know the story then you will know that there is a quite sinister undertone to the show.

“But it does make you question the situation with our government and can we do anything about it? We have a right to vote and young people can really make a difference,” he said.

Born to an American father and Welsh mother, Guy also has the opportunity to vote in the US presidential elections. He has a passion for democracy as well as theatre. That’s perhaps why he performs Animal Farm with such passion.

“Perhaps George Orwell's message to us in Britain is that, even here, where we live in relative harmony, we must be alert to the dangers of the power seekers and keepers and the promises they make to perpetuate their power here, with our adversarial system of government,” said Guy who is currently touring theatres in the UK.

In 1995 he took a break from the solo performance and concentrated on directing, producing and winning stage awards for other performances across the globe.

As a freelance critic and feature writer he has had articles published in national newspapers including The Guardian.

“I think it’s fantastic that we have a free press.

“Even though it makes mistakes, we can challenge the government and expose them if we can.

I like to think that Animal Farm makes young people use their vote and it’s important to be taught as an anti-communist piece in schools. We should always stand up to our leaders and challenge them — because we can.”

And although Animal Farm can be dark in places, there is humour and uplifting moments with Guy’s energetic scenes.

“The show is quite sunny too with a lot of humour. As you know, I play all of the animals. Some may think it’s slightly ridiculous but it really is very funny.”

n Animal Farm, Darwen Library Theatre, Friday, February 8, Details from the box office on 01254 706006.