Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 5th October 2024
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
1984. The very title rings down to us like a literary version of the Roman Empire – colossal in scale and influence. I was very much looking forward to seeing what this new adaptation would look like.
Before the play had begun we were drawn into the drama and dystopian world as a giant screen at the rear showed us in the audience shuffling in and waiting expectantly. Big Brother really was watching us, right form the off! This omnipresent feature also conveyed various locations during the play, allowed exchanges with colleagues and the news announcements etc. Just like modern day life – the screen is menacingly always there.
The stage was a stark affair which successfully conveyed the right mood and author’s intentions. There was also (to my eye) a clear nod towards the freedom fighters of the P.O.U.M. era in Barcelona and the stage costumes – especially the red tie around the waist. A big pat on the back to set, costume and video designer Justin Nardella for his work tonight.
Was it my imagination or did the writers put in many other cultural references that weren’t in the original – such as the dehumanizing of immigrants that both harkened back to the dark days of the 1930’s whilst mirroring our own troubled times – evoking thoughts of Gaza for instance? Powerful stuff.
The cast was magnificent with fantastic performances all around! Mark Quartley (playing Winston) gave us every facet of the human condition during the story – from emotionally downtrodden servant of the regime to bon viveur and from defiant to broken man. A powerhouse performance that deserves much credit, he was truly pivotal.
Eleanor Wyld perfectly captured the full panoply of emotions needed to play Julia (Winston’s partner in “crime”). I loved her free spirit where the panic was just below the surface. I was utterly convinced, which made Winston’s journey all the more believable.
Keith Allen was shockingly effective in the role of O’Brien. He showed admirable restraint which made the moments when he unleashed his full tortuous vitriol all the more powerful.
Parsons, Winston’s neighbour, was the real surprise of the evening though with a stunning portrayal from David Birrell. His scenes in captivity were the most impactful of the evening – I’ve rarely seen such a thrillingly real portrayal of panic and terror.
A masterpiece brought to the stage with visceral honesty and sincerity – this is a telling of the tale to savour and all involved should be very proud of themselves. The work is not an easy watch – especially Winston’s interrogation which was so horrific it was hard to fathom how they managed it within the confines of a live, stage performance.
With taut, muscular direction (from Lindsay Posner) and adaptation (from Ryan Craig) and a stellar cast at the top of their game, this is a play that is not to be missed. Not joyous but very enjoyable, it was a thought provoking evening that will live long in the memory of all who witness it and one I wholeheartedly recommend.