Hackney Town Hall – until 17th December 2023
Reviewed by Fiona Leyman
3***
BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU!
No truer a word said in the society we live in today, don’t you think? Imagine living in a world where your every thought, every action is controlled and scrutinised by those in power. Would you bow down or fight for your freedom of thought?
George Orwell’s critically acclaimed novel, 1984, has been adapted for the stage in this “Unique Immersive Experience” housed in the magnificent Art Deco Hackney Town Hall building. 1984 Immersive Experience Creator, Adam Taub says “In the era of Google, Amazon and Meta, when our every move is monitored and recorded, there is no more relevant story than 1984”.
Hackney Town Hall is now the Ministry of Truth where we, the audience, are being assessed as to whether we are worthy enough to join the Ministry. The Ministry of Truth monitors its people for “Thought Crimes” and places them under constant surveillance. Do you want to join this dystopian society, where if we defy or speak out, we are cruelly punished for our crimes?
Upon entering the Ministry, we are presented with our Identification Card, then off to Victory Square for a spot of music and a Royal Gin before the assessment begins. Ministry workers in blue overalls walk amongst you, watching you, scrutinising your every move. Every look, every word spoken intimidates you, making your hair stand up on end, like something isn’t quite right here. The National Anthem of Oceana begins, signalling the start of our assessment and off to the council chambers we go. What goes on behind these chamber doors is chilling, but you will have to see for yourself what transpires.
O’Brien, played by Jude Akuwudike, was outstanding. He drew you into his performance with his convincing portrayal of this character. He held the room in his hands and captivated you with all that he did. Hackney Town Hall’s opulent exterior and extensive history make it the ideal setting for an event of this kind. The council chamber’s panel walls exude the authority that the Ministry is attempting to project. In addition, the Ministry employees remain true to their personas and don’t falter when interacting with the audience. Since this is no small accomplishment, I applaud them.
Regretfully, this immersive experience did not have the impact I think it had intended. Being divided into three groups created the impression that we would go through this at separate times, but in reality, we all stayed in one group. This ruined the show’s immersive atmosphere by making this feel overcrowded and less personal. Even while Declan Rodgers’ Winston and Kit Reeve’s Julia were portrayed by extremely gifted performers, their performances did not quite grab you as Jude Akuwudike’s O’Brien did.
As someone who is familiar with George Orwell’s 1984 story, but has not read the book, this experience, unfortunately, did not have me rushing to buy it. This may be my own “Thought Crime”, but I cannot see “Five” as O’Brien wishes me to see, I can only see Three (stars).