Ryan Craig has created a visceral, terrifying and relevant script for 1984.
Keith Allen as O’Brien in George Orwell’s 1984 | Photo © Simon Annand
It is full of terror and anger but essentially could be a commentary on the current trend of fake news and social media. It is a difficult watch but an excellent production of the original story.
Winston lives in the world of the original “Big Brother”, being watched by a totalitarian government whose gaze follows civilians everywhere. This iconic novel is never more relevant and its prophesies are alive and well in our current society.
Mark Quartley as Winston is quite brilliant, an astonishing performance of a man being broken to near death by the equally enigmatic and treacherous Keith Allen as O’Brien.
Their relationship is fragile from the outset but the revelations in Act 2 are horrific and create breathtaking theatre.
David Birrell captures the fear and trepidation of his daughter’s growing awareness whilst Eleanor Wyld is the love interest Julia.
This is a technical production that relies on projection, AV and some excellent use of blackout to add to the psychological horror of Room 101.
There are many famous faces in the pre-recorded projection which pales into insignificance in the light of Winston’s horrific journey. Act 2 is an absolute masterclass in performance and skill but brings the terror of the world to light.
It is hard to believe that the original text could have envisaged where we are today, it is as easy to replace the 5 not 4 finger conversation with Trump’s claim that migrants were eating pets. If we are told enough times, is it possible to make us believe.
Easily one of the most challenging and uncomfortable shows in a long time. It is an excellent production with exceptional central performances but essentially overwhelming and horrific to watch something that could be written last week and the willingness to believe what the majority think and what the authorities tell you is “the truth”.
An absolute must see; nudity and terror are evident but the telling of the story has never made Winston’s world so immediate and salient.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
