1984

Nick Hern has done so much to bring new exciting drama to our attention. However I regret to report that this adaptation of one of the most widely read books of the 20th century leaves much to be desired. It is a pity since the players and the director are presented with a huge hurdle to overcome before rehearsals even commence. 

While delighted that the production proved to be an enormous financial success for the company, attracting many new visitors to the theatre, it is a shame they were not witnessing one of the society's many other more memorable offerings. I am not sure from observing the audience's reactions at the play’s conclusion on the night I attended, what they made of it. There can have been few amongst them unaware in advance of the content of the play. The atmospheric music specially written by Tim Benjamin was for me the undoubted highlight of the piece. It is to Michael Crowley’s credit that he was able to inject menace and gravitas to the demanding role of O’Brien. It is a highly complex role demanding, finesse, subtlety and menace. His was a performance of integrity.  I know what an exceptional talent Rosie Nikolich possesses, yet in the role of Julia her opportunity to shine was sadly diminished largely because of the script.  Craig Baillie made a brave attempt to portray Winston as a person one could empathise with, yet for all his sterling efforts his characterisation seemed a little too ready to appease his tormentors (rats notwithstanding of course). All the other characters are, regrettably, sketchily drawn by the adaptor.

I have seen so many enjoyable groundbreaking productions at the Hippodrome.  I applaud Richard Holley for bringing this production to the stage, yet I must say I only have to read by contrast to this performance any reportage of the Ukraine tragedy for it to dramatically fuel my outrage at the attempts by our Russian Big Brother to manipulate citizens into believing truth to be a malleable commodity.

P.R.M.

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