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1984 in London
1984 – Goodbye Spamalot, hello George Orwell
Spamalot departs the stage in spring 2014, giving way to a splendidly disturbing new production of 1984 starring Mark Arends as Winston Smith, comrade 6079. Tim Dutton plays O’Brien, Hara Yannas plays Julia and the rest of the cast is played by a talented crew including Gavin Spokes as Parsons, Christopher Patrick Nolan as Martin, Stephen Fewell as Charrington, , Matthew Spencer as Syme and Mandi Symonds as Mrs Parsons.
Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan have created this remarkable stage adaptation of 1984, presented by Sonia Friedman Productions, Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Tulchin Bartner Productions. Icke and Macmillian also direct.
1984 - The story
Headlong first produced this brilliant version of 1984, Orwell’s most famous and disturbing novel about a frighteningly familiar dystopian future set in Oceania, a place where the act of thinking the wrong thought is considered criminal. Big Brother is watching everyone, and his beady eye never sleeps. Tantalising and terrifying, the story follows one citizen, number 6079, who thinks a thought, falls in love and changes his life forever.
The story was written in 1949, when Europe was still in ruins and the political future uncertain. While the year 1984 passed peacefully enough and bore no resemblance to the author’s awful vision, it is still familiar enough to raise the hairs on the back of your neck and make you view London’s countless CCTV cameras with new suspicion!
Will the protagonist Winston Smith and his fellow Airstrip One citizens toe the party line or face extermination? We won’t spoil the plot for you… come and find out. The production has won five star reviews from the British media and looks set to deliver enough thrills to keep even the most hardened theatregoers on the edge of their seats.
An epic romance set against a thoroughly disturbing cultural backdrop, it’s one of those shows you’ll find yourself running over in your mind time and time again, unable to forget. It’s a story that has changed lives. Will yours be one of them?
1984 theatre tickets – The definitive dystopian novel
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1984 Official Theatre Tickets
Our central reservation system connects you directly to the Playhouse Theatre box office system. We provide live & full availability for 1984 tickets, from VIP and premium, to top price and discount tickets, helping you choose the perfect tickets for your budget. Pick your seats from our interactive seating plan and get your theatre tickets emailed to you instantly after your booking. Simply present your e-tickets at the door on the day and experience what London & the West End have best to offer: the magic of theatre. Buying tickets for 1984 has never been easier.
1984 Ticket Information
- Booking until:
Saturday, 29 October 2016
- Running time:
1 hour 40 minutes (No Interval)
- Age restrictions
Suitable for ages 14+
- Important Information
Latecomers will not be admitted.
This production contains loud noises and flashing lights.
- Cancellations & Refunds
Once booked, tickets to 1984 are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.
1984 cheap tickets
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1984 reviews
What to expect:
ActingMusic
Costumes
Story
Lighting
- Recommended for:
- Theatregoers (95%)
Latest customer reviews
All reviews are from customers who have been invited to leave a review just after seeing 1984.
Please note the reviews below are from an old production of 1984.
verified
Brilliant and unsettling.A very stark audio visual experience of George Orwell's iconic novel. Brilliant production, which is at times quite graphic. The lighting is simply amazing. Acting and set are remarkable too. The script is abstruse and you are left wondering exactly what is going on at many points. The overall effect is quite visceral.
A Reviewed on 20 October 2016 by Anupama
Crosby, United Kingdom
verified
No idea what it was about.Not quite true, I had and idea bit nothing in detail. A thinking persons play, one that had to be concentrated on. Thought provoking. Glad I went.
A Reviewed on 09 October 2016 by Andy
Kenilworth, United Kingdom
verified
Spoilt by the aggressive sound and light effectsGood production of a classic with one notable exception- the sound and light effects serve to break the mood of the piece. I ended up shutting eyes and covering ears during these moments - which distracts from the experience and left me feeling annoyed. End result: would not recommend the show.
J Reviewed on 25 September 2016 by Julie
Brussels, Belgium
verified
Must seeJ Reviewed on 22 September 2016 by James
Bourne, United Kingdom
verified
Mind blowing, shocking, innovative performanceThis piece of theatre would be amazing to study and analyse because of how dramatically and visually creative it was! Even if it won't be studied, it is still a fantastically entertaining and original production to see. I couldn't help but respond and react to this production, there was never a dull moment and I am so grateful that I had the chance to see it.
S Reviewed on 15 September 2016 by Severine
London, United Kingdom
verified
Not for all public!I wasn't sure what to expect from the performance knowing very little about the book.. I must admit that regardless the brilliant acting and very well studied littening and sounds effect, the play should be properly address for people able to handle certain amounts of stress and foriben for public suffering from neurological problems as epilepsy.
E Reviewed on 13 September 2016 by Elvira
London, United Kingdom
verified
I liked it
I Reviewed on 10 September 2016 by Ian
Cowes, United Kingdom
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Great story but scenes drag outThe story and acting were both very good but the scenes got dragged out and at times overdone. The lights and Lou's noises were also overdone. Other than that a great play
A Reviewed on 06 September 2016 by Alexandra
Moscow, Russian Federation
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A must seeC Reviewed on 03 September 2016 by Cristina
London, United Kingdom
verified
Ferocious, powerful & frighteningAn excellent adaptation of the Orwell classic. Just as frightening as it was when I first read it many years ago. The production was meant to shock and it did. Acting was excellent, the staging was unique, sound effects really appropriate - all in all a unique experience.
M Reviewed on 02 September 2016 by Meg
Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
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Thrilling thought provokingW Reviewed on 12 August 2016 by Willie
London, United Kingdom
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Great adaption for the stageD Reviewed on 04 August 2016 by Donna
Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
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Must see!P Reviewed on 03 August 2016 by Paulina
London, United Kingdom
verified
Good to read the book firstThe playwriter chose to emphasise certain aspects of the book and put in several theatrical effects to bring across the points. Hence, some critical parts of the book are left out (which is to be expected). Some of the scenes can be disturbing and gory, and is not suitable for children. Also, strobe lights are used frequently and no prior warning was given, so those in risk of epilepsy should be aware.
E Reviewed on 02 August 2016 by Egwin
London, United Kingdom
verified
Disturbing and thought provokingThe playhouse is easy to locate and the staff seemed very happy and were very friendly. This is one of my favourite books and this is a magnificent adaptation of the book. It is very relevant in the society of today and the actors played their roles exceptionally well. Winston and O'Brian were stand out for me. A must watch!
P Reviewed on 31 July 2016 by Paul
Luton, United Kingdom
verified
FantasticGreat show very thought provoking and disturbing just as it should be Pricey bar trap
B Reviewed on 24 July 2016 by Ben
Letchworth, United Kingdom
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Exceptional show, a must seeI Reviewed on 19 July 2016 by Ishma
Thornton Heath, United Kingdom
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excellent showM Reviewed on 17 July 2016 by Mi Jun
London, United Kingdom
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Stunning adaptationR Reviewed on 15 July 2016 by Robert
Leeds, United Kingdom
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A great take on the classic novelTo translate into a stage play was a big challenge which was brilliantly pulled off. Clever editing and adaptation of the novels prose, particularly the continual hints to the appendix of the original. Brilliant.
G Reviewed on 10 July 2016 by Gary
Wantage, United Kingdom
verified
Great adaptation to the stage, a must-see for anyone who's read the book!A Reviewed on 08 July 2016 by Audrey
Brussels, Belgium
verified
Afternoon Out in LondonDark & thought-provoking, 1984 was an intense portrayal of the novel. I left the theatre thinking about the current state of the world, thinking that Orwell hadn't got much wrong! Acting was superb. Every character spot-on. I would advise other visitors to be aware of the intense flashing strip lights on each side of the stage, flashing on & off. I suffer from migraines & had to close my eyes for each flash. It is quite gory towards the end; this doesn't bother me, but a girl next to me had to leave the theatre! Overall a superb play, and I've re-bought the novel to read again!
H Reviewed on 07 July 2016 by Hayley
St Albans, United Kingdom
verified
Suspenseful, Intense, StartelingThe play was very well done, the adaptation from the book was probably a challenge and it was confusing at first but it took no more than ten minutes for it to capture you and become a great play.
P Reviewed on 01 July 2016 by Patricia
Mississauga, Canada
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INTERESTINGD Reviewed on 01 July 2016 by Dimitrios
London, United Kingdom
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David Lynch-ianA Reviewed on 26 June 2016 by Aimee
Belfast, United Kingdom
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Very dark and disconcertingAn lot of needless pain scenes - lot of blood in one scene in particular which was not really necessary.
B Reviewed on 26 June 2016 by Beverly
Etobicoke, Canada
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An interesting adaptation keeping the key concepts aliveI didn't know what to expect going into the theater to watch this show but being a fan of the book was very curious to see what it might bring. The experience was an interesting one but not as rewarding as I expected. It would be very confusing to watch it without knowing the book and it's key concepts as the exposition is very unclear and I think you need at least some idea about the characters and the story to enjoy this properly.
B Reviewed on 17 June 2016 by Benjamin
Tel Aviv, Israel
verified
Amazing interpretation!At first I felt a bit perplexed by the method of story telling but all fell into place. A very, very good version of the play. Very impressed. My partner's first time seeing the play (hasn't read the book either) and he was very impressed.
B Reviewed on 15 June 2016 by Becky
Hull, United Kingdom
verified
Pretentious directors bad interpretationOnly for the most keen book club Members and only if u like your literary concepts over fried and by the bucketload.
H Reviewed on 07 September 2015 by Holly
Stoke-on-trent, United Kingdom
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Bloody brilliant!!J Reviewed on 03 September 2015 by Joanne
London, United Kingdom
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I'm glad I'd read the book. I thought it was creatively done but if I hadn't read the book it would have been hard to follow.
K Reviewed on 27 August 2015 by Kathryn
Armagh, United Kingdom
verified
Excellent ShowC Reviewed on 04 August 2015 by Canan
Edmonton, United Kingdom
verified
1984, show that gets you thinkingP Reviewed on 17 July 2015 by Paul
Montpellier, France
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Not as goodSecond time seeing this show, the first in late 2013 at West Yorkshire Playhouse. The transfer to the west end didn't really help the show. Not a let down, but not as good as I remember, specifically the lighting and the staging of some parts.
A Reviewed on 25 June 2015 by Anonymous
verified
You cannot miss this!The new and post-modern adaptation of 1984 is thought-provoking. The show which gives intense sensual, mental and psychological stimulations.
A Reviewed on 18 June 2015 by Anonymous
verified
Riding a borrowed horseMumbling maybe me fashionable, poor enunciation maybe the thing to do. So, who cares if the audience beyond row 5 don't understand? This is the new theatre, dressed in borrowed robes. The great tale is given a twist (and shouts) but the subtlety is lost. What a pity, what a disappointment.
A Reviewed on 11 August 2014 by Anonymous
verified
Stunning show!The story itself is comlicated but they did an excellent job for everything- the story has been shorten but still well understandable. I personally loved the setting and lighting which was another thing to enjoy throughout the show! Strongly suggested even if you never read the book!
A Reviewed on 19 July 2014 by Anonymous
verified
brilliant stage production fot this well known storyLoud noise, music and flashing lights
A Reviewed on 14 July 2014 by Anonymous
verified
This is why we need theatreIf you know the book you must see this. If not, read a bit about the book first. Important, relevant and a provocative conversation starter.
A Reviewed on 16 May 2014 by Anonymous
verified
disappointedI had high expectations for the play given the excellent reviews, but was let down by the draggy and uninteresting parts in the middle. Winston's incessant paranoia could have been made more succinct but impactful, whereas I felt bored by the woman's acting.
A Reviewed on 09 May 2014 by Anonymous
2015
Review of 1984 at the Playhouse Theatre
by Phil Willmott | Wednesday, June 24 2015, 15:55
Long before it was the title of a voyeuristic TV game show the term “Big Brother” was coined by the novelist George Orwell. It comes from his influential book 1984 where it’s the name of the oppressive regime controlling, punishing and rewarding a mass population through dictating and monitoring its every move.
Review of 1984 at the Playhouse Theatre