To commemorate 75 years since the publication of George Orwell’s groundbreaking novel, this thrilling new stage adaptation, features Keith Allen and is directed by Lindsay Posner (3 Sisters on Hope Street, Everyman, 2008).
1984 is an iconic story of surveillance, oppression and forbidden love and is adapted for the stage by Ryan Craig (Charlotte and Theodore, Ustinov Studio; The Holy Rosenbergs and Our Class, National Theatre), who was nominated as Most Promising Playwright at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards.
The production stars actor, comedian, and musician Keith Allen (The Young Ones, The Pembrokeshire Murders, The Homecoming, Pinter 3) as O’Brien; Mark Quartley (Inside Man, BBC; The Tempest, RSC) as Winston; Eleanor Wyld (Macbeth and The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare’s Globe) as Julia; and David Birrell (King John, RSC; Bodies, Netflix) as Parsons.
The Ensemble are Niamh Bennett, Lewis Hart and Paul Sockett.
On 4 April 1984, Winston Smith, comrade number 6079, starts a diary, a simple act which puts Winston’s life in jeopardy. A clandestine love affair with co-worker Julia further enrages the authorities, but can they truly trust each other? And what of the mysterious O’Brien? Will he help them overthrow the regime, confront them with their most terrifying fears, or worse…?
George Orwell’s masterpiece creates a world where every action is painstakingly monitored and controlled by a powerful regime, where independent thought and choice are relics of an almost-forgotten past.
Keith Allen said: “The absolute truth of what Orwell was hinting at, has come to fruition. We have very slowly normalised a lot of that, and that is very frightening. I think this is a very prescient play, and this is the right moment in time to be doing it.”
Directed by Lindsay Posner, one of the UK’s most sought-after directors with recent credits including West End runs of Noises Off, A View From The Bridge, and the sell-out success of The Deep Blue Sea, he said: “To return to such a great, welcoming city with its thriving theatrical culture will no doubt prove a great pleasure both for myself and the company of 1984.”
The creative team includes Justin Nardella (Set, Costume and Video Designer), Paul Pyant (Lighting Designer) and Giles Thomas (Sound Designer), with Associate Video Designer Stanley Orwin-Fraser, Casting Director Ginny Schiller CDG, Associate Director George Jibson and Assistant Designer Lorelei Cairns.
1984 is coming to the Liverpool Playhouse from Tuesday 19 November to Saturday 23 November. Tickets are priced from £11 to £36. Orwell Duo Ticket Offer Save £5 per ticket when audiences book for 1984 and Animal Farm (running from Tuesday 1 April to Saturday 5 April 2025) in a single transaction. Tickets are now available at everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on/1984.
