- 1984 by George Orwell adapted by Robert Icke and Duncan McMillan
Director: Tim Hinchliffe
Key Dates:
Information evening: Monday 9th November 7.30-830
Auditions: Monday 16th November 7.30 start
Show Dates: Wednesday 17th -20th March 2027.
Entrance to the theatre is via the back gate, at the Middle Wall end of Kemp Alley, opposite the United Reformed Church. Go through the door at the bottom of the slope and turn right to go into the bar area.
Contact
If you are interested in auditioning, please get in touch! Scripts available at the Playhouse, please contact Tim
tim.hinchliffe@outlook.com
Synopsis:
“The past is whatever the records and the memories agree upon.”
BIG BROTHER IS ALWAYS WATCHING YOU. This warning rules the frightening, dystopian future of George Orwell’s classic novel, 1984, adapted for the stage by Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan.
The play explores the oppressive regime of Big Brother, focusing on Winston Smith, a Party worker who secretly rebels against the totalitarian state.
It incorporates elements from the novel’s appendix, providing a unique perspective on Orwell’s themes.
The adaptation has been praised for its intense portrayal of the struggle for individuality and freedom in a repressive society.
That’s what it says here anyway. In fact, it will be a fascinating exploration of the repressive nature of the surveillance society being created outside the window. A production with fresh ideas and no pre-conceptions. An assault on the senses and a challenge to the intellect. A collaborative effort led by a control freak. And I cast and appoint with very little consideration of gender, age, experience or common sense. Your standard Tim Hinchliffe production, in other words.
Come along and get involved. More information sooooooon.
Main Characters
- Winston Smith: The protagonist and records department worker who secretly rebels against the Party and Big Brother.
- Julia: Winston’s lover who publicly supports the Party through the Junior Anti-Sex League while privately breaking its rules.
- O’Brien: A powerful and enigmatic member of the Inner Party who deceives Winston into believing he is part of the resistance.
- Charrington: An antique shop owner who rents a room to Winston and Julia, later revealed to be a member of the Thought Police.
- Syme: Winston’s colleague working on the Newspeak dictionary who is eventually vaporized for being too intelligent.
- Parsons: Winston’s naive, brainwashed neighbour who is turned in to the Thought Police by his own children.
- Mrs. Parsons: Parsons’ terrified wife who lives under the constant surveillance of her children and the Party.
- Martin: O’Brien’s servant or operative present during Winston’s interrogation and torture.
- The Child: A young character representing the next generation moulded by Party indoctrination.
Audition Evening:
7:30pm start.
The auditions will be held in the bar (can be accessed by the back entrance of the Theatre). The audition process will involve you acting out the sections of the script. You may read the same scene once or multiple times, depending on pairing people up/number of auditionees. There is no need to learn the lines in advance but do familiarise yourself with the text and come with a good sense of how you would want to perform the role.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will start at the end of January/beginning February and will be on various days throughout the week.
Please note any dates you cannot attend rehearsal at auditions so this can be factored into the rehearsal schedule.
Look forward to seeing you at the info evening!
Tim