Review: 1984, Cambridge Arts Theatre - Tour
It’s 1984, but not as we know it. There’s no Band Aid and no gold medals for Torvill and Dean. George Orwell’s famous novel about a dystopian future where freedom of thought is criminalised has been adapted for the stage once more.
This adaptation by Ryan Craig is, at times, an uncomfortable watch, with the production conveying the sadistic and brutal side to a state attempting to control reality.
Justin Nardella’s set and video design is incredible. The recognisable Big Brother eye is present for much of the performance through the use of the screen wall. This then allows a 360 degree camera to be used for some scenes to great effect. They use it for character interfaces or video calls with other characters, including Mathew Horne.
For those not familiar, the story centres on Winston, comrade 6079, a diligent employee who spends his time rewriting history for the ministry of truth. Winston is a thought criminal, who has a hatred of the party and longs for a rebellion, and when he meets Julia a young free spirited anarchist, these thoughts escalate into treason endangering both of them.
The acting in the piece is superb. The fact that it is such a hard and uncomfortable watch is down to the performances that the actors have put in to make them so realistic and honest. You feel the scenes especially in the second half; it is enraging and you long for their suffering to end.
Mark Quartley’s portrayal as downtrodden Winston is delightful. You truly believe his hatred for the party but you also bought into his optimism as the first half progresses and want to champion him in his strength in the second act.
The chemistry with Julia (the very impressive Eleanor Wyld) is just lacking slightly. Both actors are excellent but you never truly believe the love between them and the conviction isn’t there.
Wyld does perform Julia with passion and drive and you can see her internal struggle between what is right and what she needs to do to survive, though in some places, the anger at Winston does seem forced.
Keith Allen takes on the role of sly and sinister O’Brien, the mysterious inner party leader. A role bigger in the play than in the book. He is all the things you want to hate. His portrayal of the character makes your skin crawl in the second half as he exudes his power in scenes that take a dark turn. He doesn’t have the most lines but he does bring a lot of stage presence with his authoritative character.
Scene stealer David Birrell, who plays cheerful neighbour Parsons, is wonderful. His character serves to show that even the most dedicated citizens aren’t safe from the wrath of the party and he really displays juxtaposition; optimism in the first half and the total anguish and confusion at his fall from grace in the second half with aplomb.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Emma Rooney