1984
1984
Olivier Award-winning director Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan’s chilling re-working of George Orwell’s masterpiece returns to the West End this June following sell-out runs nationwide.
In this critically acclaimed production, a group of historians uncover the diary of Winston Smith and must establish whether it is a work of fiction or the picture of a horrifying reality. Winston, an employee of the Ministry of Truth, lives under the ever-watchful eye of Big Brother. Love, however, intervenes and Winston starts to think for himself, a very dangerous activity.
A co-production between Nottingham Playhouse, Headlong and Almeida Theatre, 1984 is captivating and brutal. Winston’s story is told using over-lapping timeframes which draw compelling parallels between the dystopian world of 1984 and contemporary society. An onslaught of sensory experiences stalk Winston as he is subjected to disorientating flashbacks, bursts of sound and blinding light. Ingenious theatrical devices and incisive writing make 1984 a haunting, radical and visceral play.
Lauded for its powerful vision and seen by over a quarter of a million people, 1984 will run for 12 weeks only at London’s Playhouse Theatre. Don’t miss your chance to experience this exceptional stage production of the 20th century’s most important book. Book your 1984 tickets today.
- Duration
TBC
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds available after purchase.
- How Does It Work
You will receive a print at home voucher on the final booking screen, please print and exchange at the venue box office.
- Where Do I Go
Playhouse Theatre
Northumberland Avenue
London
WC2N 5DE
Reviews
Jane Wiest
Oct 28, 2016
The flashing lights and noises were very disturbing and made me quite ill. I had to leave early. The film component was very odd. It was too long to have no interval.
Mike
Oct 27, 2016
A little bewildering at times, but of course that's the point in many ways. An interesting take on the novel.
RL
Oct 25, 2016
The whole production was superb, a very powerful play.
Paul Marshall
Oct 25, 2016
Without knowledge of Orwell's book I think this performance would leave the viewer baffled and blind!. I thoroughly enjoyed it but I found it difficult to transition from a day at work then via the hustle and bustle of London streets to the seat and within minutes of being seated be bombarded by the intensity of the first scenes. I felt the overwhelming aspect of Big Brother was absent, the continuous monitoring and intrusion into citizens lives. That was what struck me about the original text, plus (for stage reasons I'm sure) the story is modified in many ways.
Kate
Oct 23, 2016
Great play. Truly enjoyed
Leeann
Oct 23, 2016
Ineffable
Henry
Oct 22, 2016
It's rare to see an adaptation translate to the stage without being mangled. The performances were superb as well as the creative mixed media settings. I would like to see it on Broadway.
Sean
Oct 21, 2016
The play, which was relatively close to the book. Was incredibly intense but was able to grip you in and create a feeling as though you were being watched while also creating a feeling of unease. Great production value.
Sarah
Oct 17, 2016
Really insteresting interpretation, amazing cast.
Philippa
Oct 14, 2016
Amazing that a play can still shock even when you know the story so well - very cleverly done! Great use of stage and lighting and gripping throughout.
J
Oct 13, 2016
The show was immersive, disjointing and timely. A fascinating evening that built to a climactic end.
ShoshR
Oct 12, 2016
Not sure this added anything to the book. It is a brash production so be prepared for shouting, blaring lights, loud noises, plus a hollow scene of torture at the end. Emotionless, vague, miscast. The only thing I did like is the video, but unfortunately if you sit in the upper circle (as we did) your view of the video screen is severely limited (and we were not made of aware of this). A real disappointment. Worst of all, made a classic novel boring.
Piero
Oct 12, 2016
A fantastic contemporary adaptation of the classic book. Full of surprises and moments that make you jump out of your chair.
Karen Thomas
Oct 9, 2016
Great acting but the storyline was difficult to follow. Unfortunately the play didn't do justice to the book.
John Lunn
Oct 9, 2016
a very true rendering of the original but with enough insightful and alternative interpretations to keep loyal fans of the book interested, this was a well-plotted and alternative take. Very clever staging, and jarring use of light and sound added a significant amount to the experience. However, the three main characters (Winston, Julia and O'Brien) were far less nuanced and intricate than their novelistic counterparts- and made for a less sympathetic and harrowing retelling of their ordeal. Overall, well worth a watch and would happily recommend to anyone new to the story or a long-standing fan such as myself.
n j
Oct 6, 2016
A gripping performance. Absurdly superb.
Patrick
Oct 5, 2016
MY girlfriend who had never read the book really enjoyed it and I thought their was many things that were good about it, the set was good, the costumes, the acting etc. But it didn't explore the books ideas in as much depth as I would have like and all though the torture scene was good I did feel the same level of terror that I felt reading the book
BNAMY
Oct 2, 2016
This neatly staged production was engaging from the off, with swift scene shifting under cover of blackout, and loud noises accompanied by eye searing light flashes. The dialogue was delivered with precision, and the sinister overtones from the novel were played well. Occasionally, it veered into the realms of clever clever obsfuscation, but managed to redeem itself by the end. The screen projections probably didn't add that much except for the off-stage scenes, which became annoying because of the seat I had. Oh well. Can't have it all.
Sammie
Sep 29, 2016
The show is fantastic. It's well-adapted from the book and the actor playing Winston was excellent.
Joss
Sep 26, 2016
Outstanding casting, concepts and creativity in transferring the seminal book into an equally important play
Paul G
Sep 25, 2016
A thoroughly all round enjoyable production .
Belinda
Sep 23, 2016
Definitely a show to see, though poor 'rat' scene! Had a nice twist to it, and though you wouldn't know the whole book if you'd never read it, you'd certainly get the premise of the book. Not sure about the lady who played Julia, and interested as to why it got such rave reviews, but as I say - a show to see - the 1 hour and 40 minutes with no interval flies by!
margaret
Sep 23, 2016
Brilliant. Great stage effects. Brilliantly executed .
Jinny
Sep 23, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed the way the story line was managed and the stunning dark and scarey bits. Got me thinking as to what is going on in the world today, especially NKorea.
Ena Lou
Sep 15, 2016
After rereading this significant novel I was curious to see this production. Bold, unnerving and straight to the point, the audience was immediately on board. Owell was there to show us the way. BIG BROTHER was watching and we all felt it. No one escaped.
moonstone3
Sep 15, 2016
1984 - stunning. The only concern was unpredictable flashing lights which I worried would trigger my migraines so I had to shield my eyes in places. Thought provoking and relevant - we discussed it all the way home.
Mike
Sep 7, 2016
This adaptation of George Orwell's novel is disturbing and affecting - a real sensory experience. The use of lighting and sound effects was really effective - I felt like I was being electrocuted and tortured at times! I'd recommend going along to experience this play.
Shanyu
Sep 6, 2016
The play was very well executed and it was a grasping performance.
Sarah
Sep 5, 2016
I thought the play was very well done, however, I would have preferred to focus a little bit more on what the world was actually like though I understand there were obviously time constraints. The ending was very well done.
Adriana
Sep 4, 2016
...absolutely brilliant!
Michele
Sep 2, 2016
Intense and thought provoking, I went with my student 19 year old son and we were both completely entranced by the play and it was the only topic of conversation for the entire journey home and the next day! Fabulous production.
Rachel
Aug 29, 2016
Excellent production with superb performances. Although an innovative take on the original novel play remained true to Orwell throughout. Hard hitting and shocking, relevant and topical...you won't be disappointed.
Vintage Lulu
Aug 26, 2016
Passed the time but noisy, over lit production. Know the book well and the production just tried too hard. Moved away from the book which makes the points Orwell wanted too very neatly and rambled on. Overhearing audience comments, most seemed confused as to what the story was all about.
David Carter
Aug 25, 2016
I first read 1984 as a teenager, and it made a great impression on me. I subsequently re-read it a couple of times, and it has continued to sit in my mind as a unique example of writing with perception and intelligent foresight. My wife and I attended a performance of your production yesterday, 24th August, and I have to say that I was disappointed. I think George Orwell must turn in his grave at each performance. We left before the end.
Hubster
Aug 24, 2016
Rather disappointed with the £40 dress circle tickets and the level of entertainment that comes with it. With so much potential, Orwell's classic and dystopian setting could have been better portrayed from the beginning. The show starts off slow and dull. Towards the end things were better but overall I mark this as average. Too expensive versus entertainment value.
Joe visitor from Switzerland
Aug 19, 2016
Go see this even if you have read and retread Orwell. Well staged and well acted (though sometimes difficult to hear the actor who plays the character who provides the special room to Winston)
Kate
Aug 6, 2016
Superb staging and a powerful retelling
Tyerone Shoelaces
Aug 4, 2016
Confusing at the start until the basic story got going. Its not easy to cover ground already covered perfectly, well its impossible. Serious noise and flashing lights would not be everyone's cup of tea. No need for the throwing up blood incident, pulling nails and teeth out is enough! The staging of the discovery sequence was great.
ramnit
Aug 4, 2016
even if familiar with the book, you'll appreciate the play far better if you fork out £4 for a programme and peruse it in advance. we took advantage of the 101 seats for £19.84 and were centre of front row in grand circle, so no 'inferior seats only' for the special offer.
Steven Dudley
Aug 2, 2016
What an intensely disturbing performance! Very cleverly put together. Fantastic. A must see.
Peter Wynch
Aug 2, 2016
Highly dramatic, thought inspiring, shocking -while retaining the essence of Orwell's text.
Ali Al Lawati
Jul 31, 2016
As a person who did not read the book beforehand, this play was one of the strangest experiences of my life. I personally would not recommend the play as I did not enjoy it, but I do not feel it was a waste of time or money. The acting was amazing, and I went through a mental process during the play that really hit me. However, the narrative was unclear, and it's difficult to determine the story. WARNING: I did not see any warning, but this is definitely an 18+ play with an implied sex scene, a torture scene, and lighting effects that nearly induced epilepsy in us. Epileptics please avoid this play.
A.Oyetade
Jul 29, 2016
The production was overall very good. No intermission meant it was quite an intense hour and 40 mins but overall the story was well conveyed with brilliant actors especially the lead Winston Smith
Richard M
Jul 28, 2016
Great interpretation of a great book. Very well put together but be prepared for harrowing scenes towards the end. Worth seeing but I'd maybe try to get a ticket deal. The guy who plays O'brien was excellent
Dr John
Jul 22, 2016
A stunning interpretation of Orwell's masterpiece - superb acting all-round, incredible setting and direction to a stunning filmed backdrop. Possibly the very best theatre I've been to in the last 35 years!
Gemma
Jul 15, 2016
An incredible experience. Such a clever was of telling the story. Never thought I would enjoy the theatre that much!
24601 Scot
Jul 13, 2016
Honest, just go and see it. It's unsettling at times, slightly gory at times, challenging at times but never less than excellent.
KLP
Jul 10, 2016
The Playhouse Theatre's production of 1984 is excellent -- the use of multi-media pulled the viewer into Winston Smith's world and the acting was very good.
Judy Jones
Jul 7, 2016
Was a bit overwhelmed with the gore.
Ana Paye
Jul 3, 2016
This is a very good play with great performances. However, if you suffer from epilepsy or migraines, this may not be suitable for you. There are very bright throbbing and flashing lights throughout the play that could be triggers.