In this fresh adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984, director Lindsay Posner and adapter Ryan Craig powerfully capture the essence of Orwell’s cautionary tale. Set within the unrelenting confines of a totalitarian society that restricts independent thought, the story follows Winston Smith, an everyman whose small taste for rebellion comes at a devastating cost.
Mark Quartley and Eleanor Wyld portray Winston and Julia, a defiant pair who are eager to challenge their oppressive regime. Yet, despite the romantic undertones of their relationship, the pair lack convincing chemistry. Rather than intimacy, their bond stems from shared frustration and rage at a world that suppresses every form of freedom. However, it’s this shift from romance to raw rebellion that lends a powerful authenticity to their alliance, binding them in a way that speaks more to Orwell’s themes of solidarity and resistance than to traditional love.
The true star of the show is Keith Allen, who takes on the role of O’Brien, Winston’s cunning superior and eventual tormentor. Through a chillingly calm and controlled performance, Allen captures Orwell’s exploration of the ‘ordinary face of oppressive power’. Even when he is not on stage, Allen’s O’Brien lurks within the production, sinisterly watching from the sidelines, psychologically manipulating both actors and audience. Through his restraint and cold authority, his power is made to feel disturbingly insidious, adding a layer of dread to every scene he inhabits.
The production itself is also nothing short of arresting. Justin Nardella’s set, costume and video design complement the oppressive tone with LED projections, transparent screens and a massive eye on stage to signify Big Brother’s constant surveillance. In a unique touch, audiences are immersively placed into the production before it begins, with live feeds recording them as they find their seats; a reminder of how pervasive surveillance has become in today’s current climate.
However, at times, this adaptation simplifies Orwell’s complex ideas with expository dialogue, but this accessibility grounds the themes in today’s language and issues, from ‘fake news’ to the erosion of individual rights. By highlighting some of Orwell’s concepts like Newspeak and media manipulation, the play draws clear parallels to current concerns around governance and the manipulation of truth.
As a whole, while some aspects of this 1984 adaptation could benefit from more nuanced delivery, its powerful modern resonance more than makes up for any drawbacks. Ultimately, this production reminds audiences that Orwell’s warnings remain as relevant now as they were 75 years ago, an essential reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism and unchecked control.
By Neave Glennon
The 1984 touring production is on at the Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday 2nd November. Ticket prices start at £15.
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Photo credits: Simon Annand
