1984

Bradley Pattison you took a risk and it paid off. You gathered a great young cast for 1984. This play set in the future and at first one thinks what the hell is going on, then as it travels along one gets the gist of the play. It's nice to see community theatre take on such a play - well done to all in the cast. 

Taking the lead was Jake May - what a brilliant young actor, he took control of this difficult part as Winston Smith, giving us so many emotions throughout the play. George Orwell's writing is not easy, but Jake took it under his wing, all praise to him. Bradley Pattison as director and ‘voice of the party’ scared us at times but you were clear on your diction and we certainly heard you. I liked the direction you gave this play a simple set. Unfortunaly set changes were very long and I heard audience members complaining. That was my only gripe. Jess Carey (Julia) matched Jake in her acting ability, as did his two colleagues Parsons, Jeremy Madge, and Tom Purves as Syme. What a performance from Kay Palmer as Landlady she had control of the comedy element - great job Kay. Adam Bicknell as O’Brian certainly controlled the stage every appearance. We must not forget the suppoting actors these being Calle Ratcliffe, Malcome Dunstall, Stacey Webb, Geoff Dunstall and, in the wings prompting, Ryan Upton (but I never heard you Ryan) success. In control of lighting and sound was Alex McMeel.

All in all this was different for Avenue Theatre Productions and you pulled it off. Keep up the good work in local community theatre.

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