Stunning Orwell Adaptation: 1984 Shines at Liverpool’s Playhouse Theatre

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

An outstanding stage production of George Orwell’s masterpiece, 1984 had the audience on press night in raptures, with the actors receiving a well-deserved standing ovation.

Liverpool’s iconic and well-established traditional theatre has, for many years, hosted touring productions of a high calibre. However, this stage adaptation by Ryan Craig was truly exceptional. Combined with sublime acting from the entire cast, this is a play not to be missed.

Not many novels can be genuinely classified as ground-breaking, but George Orwell’s 1984 resonates with older readers and modern audiences alike, despite being written in 1948. Primarily, the narrative explores surveillance and oppression, with forbidden love and vulnerability cleverly interwoven. Additionally, the novel features on many GCSE and A-Level curricula across the UK, as its challenging themes are unapologetically thought-provoking and, in many cases, eerily prescient.

Keith Allen was truly outstanding in the role of O’Brien. His performance was breathtaking as the manipulative oppressor and corrupt bureaucrat, countering dehumanised comrades who dared to speak out against the Party. His despotism was as electrifying as it was alarming!

The terrifying regime was further amplified by the talents of an excellent creative team, including Justin Nardella (Set, Costume, and Video Designer), Paul Pyant (Lighting Designer), and Giles Thomas (Sound Designer), with Associate Video Designer Stanley Orwin-Fraser, Associate Director George Jibson, and Assistant Designer Lorelei Cairns.

Photo Credit: Simon Annand