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1984, Dukes Theatre, Lancaster
Review by HOLLY BLACKWELL
GEORGE Orwell’s dystopian novel ‘1984’ is undoubtedly one of the most iconic books of the 20th century.
So naturally I was apprehensive about how The Dukes’ co-production with Northern Broadsides would take on such a great work of modern fiction.
Having read the book, I couldn’t begin to imagine how they would bring it to life visually as it is so crammed full of thought-provoking political ideas that might not easily be translated onto the stage.
But they have a very clever director, Conrad Nelson, who with a cast of five magnificent actors (Nick Haverson, Kate Ambler, Andrew Price, Carolyn Tomkinson and Chris Garner) have put together a fantastic production which manages to capture the essence of Orwell’s totalitarian state perfectly.
The set includes a number of TV screens, which broadcast Big Brother’s message’s throughout the show. But cleverly they are also used to show the inner feelings and thoughts of the lead character Winston Smith through some breath-taking bespoke animation which really helps to drive the plot.
You would think it would be a tall order asking five actors to represent the society Orwell conjures up in 1984 but through clever direction and actors playing several parts it definitely worked and you really got the feeling of drudgery working for B.B.
This was particularly exemplified during the Greek-style chorus at the start of the play which perfectly illustrated the state’s collectivist nature.
Nick Haverson who played the lead role of Winston was just magnificent.
His acting in one of the final scenes strapped to a electric rack was powerful and gruelling to watch.
The whole audience seemed to visually shrink as his interrogator started the process of wiping Winston clean and erasing his memory.
Special mention must also be given to the direction and lighting in the scenes outside room 101.
Director Conrad created a clever jump-cut effect to mark the passing of time in the waiting room.
It was a great device to heighten Winston’s tortuous waiting process and testament to Conrad’s great direction.
This production of 1984 totally does the book justice. It’s not an easy play to watch but neither is Orwell’s book an easy one to read. But it’s definitely something you should go and see.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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