LIZZIE Wort obviously enjoys a challenge. Not only does her latest project see her performing alone on stage for the duration of the show, the 22-year-old rising star also has to play several different characters - none of them human.

The ballet-trained actress has received rave reviews for her virtuoso performance in Animal Farm, bringing to life Orwell's classic political fable with complete conviction (and, what's more, without the help of props or scenery).

The story of betrayed idealism, in the form of a power struggle among the inhabitants of a farmyard, has been translated into more than 70 languages since it was first published and remains a favourite on school English syllabuses.

Guy Masterson's solo theatrical interpretation brings the book to life using dramatic physical storytelling, and has been performed more than 500 times all over the world.

Nuffield Theatre, Southampton, October 24. Performance: 7.30pm. Tickets: £9. Box office: 023 8067 1771.