1984 at Hackney Town Hall

George Orwell’s 1984 is a well-known masterpiece, but this brief adaptation, which lasts a little over an hour, struggles to deliver on its immersive premise. Although it features a decent cast and moments of creativity, the production feels rushed and doesn’t engage with theatregoers on a deeper level.

In this version, the audience plays the role of hopeful recruits undergoing an assessment to join the Ministry of Truth. Upon arrival, attendees are welcomed by party officials in boiler suits and can sip a Victory Gin (or a Victory G&T…) while lounge singers perform some songs – not exactly Orwellian, but it passes the time. The show starts with a reimagined take on Oceania, ‘Tis for Thee before the audience is led to the grand main council chamber. Here, O’Brien (Dominic Carter) provides a 20 minute lecture on the principles of Ingsoc while also warning against the threat of thought criminals in our midst.

Viewers are then herded back downstairs to the bar area, where then can witness an abridged staging of the core plot of 1984 in 40 minutes. This is reduced to a couple of the love scenes between Winston (Joe Anderson) and Julia (Neetika Knight), plus the interrogation of Winston after they’re caught. Although the actors provide solid performances – Carter’s O’Brien is particularly compelling in his balancing of menace with eerie devotion to Oceania – there’s too little time to develop real empathy for the characters. Granted, they attempt to deliver some backstory (eg Winston’s fear of rats is introduced by Julia discovering a nest of them in the corner), but it’s lacking. Key elements are underdeveloped: O’Brien’s manipulation of Winston is never properly introduced, and Winston’s descent into thoughtcrime isn’t established. It’s all bare bones.

Aside from that, director Jack Reardon’s 1984 falls short of being truly immersive. Before the show, some of the extras engage with the audience, but after that, the immersive elements quickly devolve into occasional gimmicks. It’s frustrating considering 1984 is practically pumped full of harrowing worldbuilding. It’s a compelling premise that sadly fails to deliver on its ambition, although fans of immersive experiences will enjoy some of the concepts and the solid acting.

Michael Higgs
Photos: Maggie Jupe

1984 is at Hackney Town Hall from 1^st October until 22^nd December 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.