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    brilliant but brutal production
    Time Out
    Dystopian horror brought to life
    The Daily Express

1984 Tickets

Playhouse Theatre

Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan’s radical adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984 returns to London’s West End, following Comrade Winston Smith as he dares to think individual thoughts under the watchful eye of Big Brother.

Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillian’s acclaimed adaptation of George Orwell’s influential 1984 returns to London’s Playhouse Theatre for a limited season. Premiering at the Nottingham Playhouse in 2013, Headlong’s pertinent play about a dystopian future received huge critical acclaim, accumulating numerous five star reviews.

Published in 1949, Orwell’s widely regarded novel 1984 imagines a dark, undesirable future in which Big Brother is always watching. Icke and Macmillan’s Olivier-nominated, radical adaptation focuses on the themes of surveillance and identity, following Ministry of Truth employee Winston Smith, or Comrade 6079, as he dangerously thinks his own thoughts, starts a diary and dares to fall in love. Described as the definitive book of the 20th century, 1984 examines why Orwell’s frightening vision of the future remains to be just as relevant.

Matthew Spencer (War Horse) takes on the role of Winston Smith, after previously appearing in the cast as Syme, alongside Gavin Spokes and Simon Coates as Parsons and Janine Harouni and Hara Yannas as Julia. Further cast members include Tim Dutton as O’Brien, Stephen Fewell as Charrington, Christopher Patrick Nolan as Martin, Mandi Symonds as Mrs Parsons and Ben Porter as Syme, as well as Verity Firth, Harriet Turnball and Jemima Wright.

1984 is adapted and directed by Robert Icke and prolific playwright Duncan Macmillan, who is best-known for Lungs. The production is presented by UK touring theatre group Headlong. Produced by Sonia Friedman, 1984 features design by Chloe Lamford, lighting by Natasha Chivers, sound by Tom Gibbons and video by Tim Reid. A smash-hit, sinister exploration of the damning side of society, 1984 returns to the West End for a predictably popular run.

Sorry this show closed 05 September 2015, we recommend these similar productions.

Player Kings
The Mousetrap
Performance dates:
14 Aug 2015 - 05 Sep 2015
Running time:
1 hour and 40 minutes.
Age recommendation:
Recommended for 14+
Audience Notes:
Fans of Orwell’s novel will find that a vivid and accurate stage adaptation here, which is not suited for those under the age of 14. Please note that the production contains flashing lights and loud noises.
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Latest Audience Reviews

This was such an enjoyable yet confusing show at times which in many ways echos that of the book.... More

We went to see the show for my boyfriend's birthday, as he really wanted to see it. Having read t... More

Great show, very good acting, scary in parts, clever and simple set design, compelling story well... More

Didn't love it as much as the book. Good acting but a bit too violent for me. And no interval wh... More

We booked to see this show at short notice after the matinee of Groundhog Day we'd originally boo... More

I absolutely loved this production. Not only are the acting performances superb, but the use of a... More

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