Strap in for an electrifying take on the George Orwell classic as Shake & Stir Theatre Co presents the chilling dystopian masterpiece, 1984, at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre, this July, as part of a National tour.
Following the success of its recent national tour of Frankenstein, the company once again pushes theatrical boundaries with a production that promises to challenge and engage – culminating in an edge-of-your-seat night at the theatre.
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?
Adapted by Shake & Stir’s Co-Artistic Directors Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij, and directed by Michael Futcher, this production remains faithful to Orwell’s original narrative while delivering a gripping, high-impact theatrical experience.
The exceptional cast features a line-up of celebrated Australian performers, including Michael Whalley (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Winston Smith, Chloe Bayliss (Doctor Doctor) as Julia, and returning to the role of O’Brien is David Whitney (The Wharf Revue, My Fair Lady), sharing the role with Tony Cogin (Frankenstein).
Rounding off the cast is Steven Rooke (Fourteen, Animal Farm) and Abhilash Kaimal (Nautilus). Their performances will bring to life the harrowing world of Oceania, where surveillance is omnipresent, truth is rewritten, and resistance is perilous.
The award winning creative team includes Josh McIntosh (Designer), Jason Glenwright (Lighting Designer), Guy Webster (Sound Designer), and Craig Wilkinson (Video Designer).
“The parallels between Orwell’s world and our own are striking – not just in politics, but across all aspects of modern life,” says Nick Skubij. “His exploration of fear and control is something we were eager to bring to the stage and we are thrilled to have assembled a brilliant cast that will tear into this powerful piece of theatre.”
Beware, Big Brother is watching!
1984
Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Season: 1 – 6 July 2025
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au
The Melbourne season of 1984 is presented as part of a national tour. For more information and full list of tour dates and venues, visit: www.shakeandstir.com.au for details.
Image: The Cast of 1984 – courtesy of Shake & Stir Theatre Co