1984 becomes an increasingly chilling text as the years progress. With authoritarianism dominating media coverage and discourse at the moment, there could not be a more appropriate time for Shake and Stir Co to tour a refreshed and revamped adaptation of George Orwell’s iconic novel. 

The story of 1984 is well known and needs little introduction. The Party has taken control of Oceania, with the ever-prescient Big Brother looming large over everyone in the nation. Occupants live a drab and dreary life, with the threat of vaporisation and death if they do not do exactly what the party asks them to do. 

Winston Smith (played by Michael Whalley) attempts to rebel against The Party by writing his thoughts into a diary and joining forces with a presumed dissident O’Brien (played by Tony Cogin) and a lover, Julia (Chloe Bayliss) before it is revealed that O’Brien actually works for The Party and proceeds to torture the dissidence out of Winston. 

The text of the play is interesting enough, but as quite a dated and well-known text, it needs some degree of a revamp in order to capture the audience’s interest. This is done extraordinarily well in this production, with screens used throughout as a means of extending the action and this creates a totally immersive experience. It truly brings the story to life and takes the audience into the action, with Josh McIntosh and Craig Wilkinson to be especially commended for this. 

Shake and Stir Co tend to push the boundaries of theatre and they have done so exceptionally well here. The play is tight and concise, with a 100 minute run time and leaves the audience with a sense of chill and claustrophobia, which is exactly how the work should make one feel. The audience is on the edge of their seats and all credit must go to the cast and the production team for this. 

The acting is also incredibly strong, with the stagecraft and the video performances combining symbiotically. Cogin is particularly forceful as O’Brien while Whalley conveys the anguish of Winston incredibly well. 

Overall, this is a theatrical masterclass, with the stage and screen elements combining perfectly. The text is iconic and adapted perfectly, resulting in a gripping and all-encompassing performance. If there is one play to put on your list this year, it is this one. 

Rating: ★★★★★

1984 tours nationally. For more information, click here. 

All photo credits: Joel Devereux