#Main Info
1984 by George Orwell
Big Brother is back.
Strap in for an electrifying take on the George Orwell classic – from the multi-award winning creative minds at Shake & Stir (Frankenstein, Jane Eyre, Animal Farm and Dracula).
It was a bright cold day, and the clocks were striking thirteen...
Winston Smith, an editor at the Ministry of Truth, sits quietly. A quick swig of gin; a glance of quiet optimism toward the telescreen. Winston opens his diary, puts pen to paper, and in doing so, commits the essential crime that contains all others in itself. A radical and unprecedented act of rebellion.
Discovered, entrapped, and incarcerated in the Ministry of Love, Winston, in defending his burning desire for personal freedom, prepares for the fight of his life. Can the oppressive forces of The Party, led by BIG BROTHER, obliterate the indomitable human spirit?
And what exactly awaits within Room 101?
Featuring: Chloe Bayliss, Abhilash Kaimal, Steven Rooke, Michael Whalley, and David Whitney.
Created By
Adaptors Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij
Director Michael Futcher
Creative Producer Ross Balbuziente
Designer Josh McIntosh
Lighting Designer Jason Glenwright
Sound Designer Guy Webster
Video Designer Craig Wilkinson
Details
By George Orwell
Adapted & created by Shake & Stir Theatre Co
This production contains: mature themes, simulated violence, strobe lighting and loud sound effects/music.
AGE RECOMMENDATION
Recommended for audiences 14+
Dates
2025 National Tour
#Team
Nelle Lee
Adaptor
Nick Skubij
Adaptor
Michael Futcher
Director
Ross Balbuziente
Creative Producer
Josh McIntosh
Designer
Jason Glenwright
Lighting Designer
Guy Webster
Sound Designer
Craig Wilkinson
Video Designer
Chloe Bayliss
Cast
Abhilash Kaimal
Cast
Steven Rooke
Cast
Michael Whalley
Cast
David Whitney
Cast
#Trailer
| Venue | City | Years |
|---|---|---|
Cremorne Theatre, QPAC | Brisbane | 2012, 2014 |
Glen Street Theatre | Sydney | 2025 |
Orange Civic Theatre | Orange | 2025 |
Cessnock Performing Arts Centre | Cessnock | 2025 |
Newcastle Civic Theatre | Newcastle | 2025 |
Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre | Shoalhaven | 2025 |
Canberra Theatre Centre | Canberra | 2025 |
Laycock Street Theatre | Gosford | 2025 |
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre (The Joan) | Penrith | 2025 |
Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre | Picton | 2025 |
Riverlinks | Shepparton | 2025 |
Adelaide Festival Centre | Adelaide | 2025 |
Comedy Theatre | Melbourne | 2025 |
Riverside Theatres | Parramatta | 2025 |
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre | Bathurst | 2025 |
Goulburn Performing Arts Centre | Goulburn | 2025 |
Griffith Regional Theatre | Griffith | 2025 |
Mildura Arts Centre | Mildura | 2025 |
Lighthouse Theatre | Warrnambool | 2025 |
Her Majesty's Theatre | Ballarat | 2025 |
Berninneit | Cowes | 2025 |
The Wedge Performing Arts Centre | Sale | 2025 |
Ulumbarra Theatre | Bendigo | 2025 |
The Round | Nunawading | 2025 |
Paranaple Arts Centre | Devonport | 2025 |
Frankston Arts Centre | Frankston | 2025 |
Margaret River HEART | Margaret River | 2025 |
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre | Mandurah | 2025 |
Queens Park Theatre | Geraldton | 2025 |
Red Earth Arts Precinct | Karratha | 2025 |
Araluen Arts Centre | Alice Springs | 2025 |
Cairns Performing Arts Centre | Cairns | 2025 |
Townsville Civic Theatre | Townsville | 2025 |
Pilbeam Theatre | Rockhampton | 2025 |
Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre | Maryborough | 2025 |
The Events Centre | Caloundra | 2025 |
Playhouse, QPAC | Brisbane | 2025 |
#Reviews
★★★★★
ArtsHub
★★★★★
Melbournise Me
★★★★★
MusicalTheatre.AU
Delivered with precision and inventiveness
Stage Whispers
This production is top shelf.
The Blurb
An excellent adaptation
The Scoop
Shake & Stir’s exciting production of 1984 is a must-see
Greenroom
#Gallery
#For Teachers
CURRICULUM LINKS
Novel Study, Dystopian Literature, Freedom of Expression, Consequences of Actions,
QLD
Drama: Unit 3: Challenge - IA2
Drama in Practice: Extended Response
English: Unit 3 - Textual Connections - Prescribed Text
VIC
Theatre Studies- Unit 3, Outcome 3 and Unit 4, Outcome 3
NSW
Stage 6 - English Studies Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences
SA
Stage 2 English - Prose
WA
Literature Prescribed Text - Novels
DRAMATIC FORMS & STYLES
Theatre for Social Comment; Political Theatre; Epic Theatre, Mediatised Performance, Contemporary Performance, Adaptation
TEACHER RESOURCE KIT
Please contact info@shakeandstir.com.au, or call 07 3188 1413 to access passwords to our Teacher's Resource & Marketing Kits.