Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Saturday 26th October 2024
Reviewed by Steph Lott
5*****
Lindsay Posner’s haunting new production of George Orwell’s ‘1984‘ at the Cambridge Arts Theatre proves that this dystopian masterpiece has lost none of its power to disturb and provoke. In fact, watching this adaptation in our current climate of surveillance technology and information manipulation makes it feel more relevant than ever.
From the opening moments, Justin Nardella’s ingenious set design creates an atmosphere of paranoid claustrophobia. The clever integration of video elements and pre-recorded footage serves to blur the lines between reality and manipulation – a central theme of Orwell’s work. Nardella’s costumes effectively establish the grim uniformity of Oceania while allowing enough individual character to remind us of the humanity being suppressed.
Keith Allen brings a chilling authority to O’Brien, making the character’s false warmth all the more unsettling when it gives way to cold brutality. His performance in the notorious Room 101 sequences is particularly powerful – so much so that several audience members felt compelled to leave during these scenes. Indeed, the production might have benefited from trigger warnings, given the visceral impact of these moments.
Mark Quarterly delivers a compelling portrayal of Winston Smith, capturing both the character’s furtive rebellion and his fundamental vulnerability. His journey from quiet defiance to complete psychological destruction is masterfully rendered. Eleanor Wyld’s Julia provides a perfect counterpoint as his lover and fellow rebel, bringing a vital energy to their forbidden romance that makes their eventual betrayal all the more devastating.
David Birrell deserves special mention for his portrayal of Parsons. His portrayal of the earnest and naïve Parsons highlights the tragedy of a man who has so thoroughly internalized the Party’s doctrine and yet is, like everyone else, ultimately betrayed and destroyed.
The production’s use of multimedia elements is particularly effective, creating a sense of constant surveillance and exposure, while also questioning the nature of historical truth – a theme that resonates strongly in our era of “fake news” and digital manipulation. The integration of camera work and projected footage serves both to disorientate the audience and to underscore the ways in which reality can be manufactured and controlled.
Posner’s direction maintains a relentless tension throughout, gradually tightening the screws until the audience feels almost as trapped as Winston himself. The claustrophobic dread builds incrementally, making the final scenes all the more impactful for their careful preparation.
While some might question the need for another adaptation of ‘1984‘, this production proves that Orwell’s vision remains disturbingly prescient. By emphasizing the human cost of totalitarianism through strong performances and innovative staging, it brings fresh urgency to this familiar warning about the fragility of truth and freedom.
This is not comfortable viewing – nor should it be. It’s a production that will leave you very uneasy, questioning not only the nature of truth and reality but also how easily both can be manipulated by those in power. In an age of increasing surveillance and information control, this timely revival serves as a powerful reminder of why Orwell’s cautionary tale continues to resonate.