THE MINISTRY OF TRUTH IS RECRUITING…

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon ⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

The immersive production of 1984 at Hackney Town Hall was a thought-provoking and unique experience. Personally, I was unfamiliar with the George Orwell classic whereas my friend had read it, albeit it was a while ago. This disparity meant we both went in looking through different lenses which lead to an interesting discussion afterwards. It’s fascinating how two people can go to the same show and have completely different experiences and perspectives. So, what did we think of 1984?

It Is the Age of Total Surveillance.

Everything you say or do is scrutinised.
Even your innermost thoughts are probed.
You cannot be too careful.

First up: the seating. Be prepared for a numb bum situation! By the end of 1984 I was convinced my backside had joined Winston in Room 101. And the lighting? God, it deserved a health warning; blinding at times and super intense. However, my friend made the very good point that it was likely to add to the oppressive, grim vibe of the show. Fair play to the production team if that was the aim as you definitely succeeded in the goal.

The immersive elements, like moving between rooms, added a fun and engaging dimension to the performance. The courtroom scene, in particular, stood out with the plush, striking décor that contrasted sharply with the grim themes of the play. My friend, new to immersive theatre, was absolutely sold on this aspect. Hackney Town Hall is a beautiful building and a great choice for 1984.

The story itself? I must admit I was left a bit confused at times. Without spoiling anything, I found myself wondering why two characters moving towards the same outcome ended up with different ends to their storylines. Maybe it was a deliberate choice to spark reflection or maybe I missed something that led to that conclusion. I may have been slightly distracted at times by trying to recover the feeling in my behind.

One divisive element was the use of live filming and projections. For me, the shaky camera work was distracting at times. However, my friend thought it really helped to set the tone, highlighting the themes of surveillance and reality distortion. Whilst the staging and immersive elements drew must of the attention, it’s worth noting the strong performances from the cast. The actors brought intensity and conviction to their roles, especially Joe Anderson, who perfectly captured the emotional weight of living under constant surveillance.

In the end, we both left the show feeling we’d experienced something unique. I’m glad that I went with someone who had read the book and could bring a different perspective on things. If you’re up for a night of dystopian intrigue, a thought-provoking storyline, great acting, and a numb bum, give 1984 a go. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the chairs.

Pure Expression’s 1984 at Hackney Town Hall must end 22 December.

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Photo Credit: Maggie Jupe