*** (3 Stars)
“Gripping!”
George Orwells Dystopian masterpiece looking at nationalism, futurology, censorship and surveillance has captured generations since its publication in 1949 and over the following 77 years the book has been adapted for radio, television and the cinema. In the theatre the book has been successfully adapted as both a play and a musical with the most recent adaptation playing at the Playhouse Theatre in London’s West End in 2016.
Now Scotland’s leading theatre companies, The Citizens Theatre Glasgow, Dundee Rep and The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh join to co-produce a new adaptation from the pen of Chris Hannan. Directed by Dominic Hill this is a production which throws the light more onto the dark black humour and overarching crux that love in all its forms lies at the centre of the dystopian world brought vividly to life on stage with Tom Piper’s beguiling Set Design.
While Hannan’s writing beautifully transposes the original to our modern day and clearly showing how little has changed both politically and physically for far too many its reliance on comedy comes at the cost of a lack of dramatic punch the show is crying out for.
Performances are uniformly gripping especially Jack Tarlton who leads as Orwell and Winston he gives his all in a role that becomes physically demanding especially in act 2 however it’s the moments he is anchored downstage in a spotlight breaking the fourth wall that are the most taught. He really carry’s Dominic Hills ambition to centre the story equally in humanity and personal relationships.
Jessica Hardwick is also a revelation as “Julia” the lover and protagonist and she delivers a truly unforgettable performance throughout. Tarlton and Hardwick are joined by six strong ensemble cast who shine throughout the myriad of characters they bring to life.
Production wise this adaptation is a triumph; Piper design knocks the eye out floating effortlessly from a 1950’s Glasgow hospital to Orwell’s nether world under the control of “Big Brother” where the threat of “Room 101” looms large. This is boosted by Lizzie Powell stellar lighting design and Mark Melville’s on point sound design which delivers composer Nikola Kodjabashia’s and Associate Electronic Composer Phineas De Thornley Head sound scape the shakes the very soul of the audience member.
Special mention must also go to Heather Scott’s Video Design which is inventive as it is evocative effortlessly shifting between locations and time period that really makes this play pop on the eye.
As the curtain falls after a two hour and fifty-minute run time, it’s clear the shows pacing is flawless as it does not feel half as long as its run time such are the quality of the performances. But, even though act 2 really does get going dramatically there does feel like the show is lacking the oomph it needs to push it over the top and reach its clear potential.
Yes there are plenty of pre-show warnings over content but the product never fully realises these the sight of a Stade dildo isn’t as shocking as it’s made out to be.
That all being said this is a truly gripping and stylish adaptation that delivers value for the ticket price so why not head to the Lyceum and explore Orwell’s dystopian netherworld for yourself!
1984, The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh runs until Saturday 7th November 2026. For more information and tickets go to: 1984 | Lyceum
