“The cast were nothing short of phenomenal, seemingly leaping straight from the pages of the book and materialising onto the stage”. Barefoot Review, Canberra

“This production is superb and I can’t recommend it highly enough.”

“In his famous essays on clear language, George Orwell counselled against the use of the “decorative adjective”, which is a shame because this adaptation calls for a slew of superlatives. ACT, Stage Whispers

“This powerful stage adaptation by Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij is remarkable.” Canberra Critics Circle

“The superb five-member ensemble which makes up the cast, who, between them, people the stage with a seeming multitude of characters so that the audience often feels it is watching an epic rather than an ensemble of just five actors.” Canberra Critics Circle

“The detail and commitment of the performances, as well as the meticulous mounting of the production is nothing less than astonishing.” Canberra Critics Circle

“An impressive adaptation… shake & stir sets the bar high.”< strong>The Canberra Times

“The cast of five are very strong… this is a production that dramatises Orwell’s ideas with flair and intensity.”Sydney Morning Herald

“You shouldn’t miss it! This is a powerful production. It will stay with me just as did the book when I read it so many years ago.

“Co-adaptors Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij have transferred every frightening nuance of Orwell’s bleak future into a very desolate third dimension.

Bryan Probets plays this haunted man with scary verisimilitude. He is ably supported by Nelle Lee, Nick Skubij, Ross Balbuziente and David Whitney – all of whom bring a similar wealth of experience and concentrated talent to the production.” NSW Stage Whispers

“Big Brother would approve. The audience was gripped… from the beginning to the end. Australian theatre is very much a world leader.” The Newcastle Herald

“A cracking adaptation of Orwell’s anti-fascism masterpiece… A superb ensemble. This is what you call seriously captivating theatre.” ABC North Coast NSW

“Ms Lee and Mr Skubij are part of the first-rate onstage cast of five which also includes Ross Balbuziente, David Whitney and Bryan Probets, who is truly excellent as the hapless and doomed Winston Smith.” AussieTheatre NSW

“Wonderful, wonderful production… Everyone gives 110% – I just loved it!” 612ABC Radio, Doug Kennedy

“This is a flawless production, with flawless performances from the cast of five. In fact, I couldn’t fault anything about it, and the fact that I was almost physically sick with tension and terror says as much about Michael Futcher and his cast as it does about the power of George Orwell to chill us to the bone.” A Little Gossip, Allison Coates

“shake & stir have done a stunning job realising this work for the stage… This show gets into your head… This is Brisbane’s theatre at its finest.” Theatre People

“shake & stir’s ability to bring classic, world changing literature to the main stage is double-plus awesome. It’s rare to see a book adaptation that feels whole and complete in its own right.” Aussie Theatre

“There’s a fine pedigree of proven experience and youthful vigour in this cast which promises much and delivers on cue. Probets is arresting and brave as Winston Smith… arguably the best single performance of the year!” Brisbane Times

“Fearless and flawless.” XS Entertainment

“In my humble opinion, this little jewel of a production confirms shake & stir’s place in the commonwealth of national theatres. 1984 is a cracker of a production – intelligent and theatrically clever.” Greenroom