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1984 hero image
1984 hero image
1984 hero image
    Depressingly relevant and brilliantly discomfiting
    Radio Times
    One of the boldest and best page-to-stage adaptations
    The Times

1984 Tickets

Playhouse Theatre

Robert Icke, Duncan Macmillan and Daniel Raggett present their chilling adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novel 1984. After hugely successful international and West End runs, this production returned once more to London’s Playhouse Theatre for a limited 12 weeks.

Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillian’s acclaimed adaptation of George Orwell’s influential novel 1984, returned to London’s Playhouse Theatre for a limited season in 2016. Premiering at the Nottingham Playhouse in 2013, Headlong’s pertinent play had toured internationally, with two West End runs under its belt. Accumulating rave reviews, 1984 returned to London once more, for a limited 12 week season at London’s Playhouse Theatre.

Published in 1949, Orwell’s famous text imagines a dark, dystopian future where a controlling government works closely with “Big Brother” to keep a frighteningly watchful eye on its citizens. A radical adaptation focusing on surveillance and identity, 1984 follows Ministry of Truth employee Winston Smith as he starts a diary and dares to fall in love. Described as the definitive text of the 20th century, 1984 examines why Orwell’s frightening vision of the future still remains relevant.

1984 was adapted and directed by Olivier Award-winning director Robert Icke (Oresteia) and prolific playwright Duncan Macmillan, who is best-known for People, Places and Things and Lungs. The production was presented by UK touring theatre group Headlong, alongside Almeida Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse. 1984 featured design by Chloe Lamford, lighting by Natasha Chivers and sound by Olivier Award winner Tom Gibbons, with video by Tim Reid.

A smash-hit, sinister exploration of the damning side of society, 1984 returned to the West End for a predictably popular run, having opened in June 2016 at London’s Playhouse Theatre.

Sorry this show closed 29 October 2016, we recommend these similar productions.

Performance dates:
24 Oct 2016 - 29 Oct 2016
Running time:
1 hour and 40 minutes.
Age recommendation:
Suitable for ages 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.
Categories:

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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