Yvonne Arnaud – until Saturday 19th October 2024
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
5*****
Ryan Craig’s adaptation of 1984 carries all the intensity and drama contained within Orwell’s book. The essence of the story is clearly represented in the dialogue. Be prepared for a gripping, gruelling performance that has you wincing!
Mark Quartley (Winston) lets you into his bones with his constant gaze and firm grip on reality. Winston (Quartley) knows Big Brother has become a totalitarian oppressor with leaders that truly believe in what they are doing, however barbaric. He is grasping at whatever hope he can to escape. Quartley’s (Winston) depiction of pain in the mind and body is masterful.
Julia (Eleanor Wyld) offers a brave confidence in her wilful rule breaking, finding ways to evade Big Brother. She would go mad if it wasn’t for it. Wyld’s (Julia) performance is brazen, conveying a sense of deep fear and repressed anger that sneaks out and is released through the sexual exploits of Julia.
Keith Allen is perfectly suited to the character of O’Brien, his ability to convey a twisted humanity well known. Allen allows you to physically feel the evil of every crime against humanity that this character imbues. The stuff of nightmares!
David Birrell (Parsons) gives a standout performance of an everyday husband and father, doing everything he can to comply and do his best for his family. Like every foot soldier loyal to Big Brother, he believes himself to always be at fault, even praising his daughter for her disparaging attitude towards him. In the dreaded room 101, Birrell (Parsons) delivers a broken and tortured soul to the audience that is emotionally gut wrenching.
Although written 78 years ago, by today’s standards you are left with a sense of possible things to come and knowing it is possibly near the reality for those in countries ruled by dictators. There are parts of the play that reflect our UK reality today. Orwell continues to provoke thought and challenge the status quo.