
Novel by George Orwell. Adapted by Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij. Presented by Shake & Stir Theatre Co & Riverside Theatres Parramatta
An exceptionally executed, high impact telling of 1984 that rings so aptly and loudly now, it is truly disturbing.
Reviewed by Juliana Payne
Riverside Theatres, Parramatta
23, 24 & 25 July, 2025
Tickets: https://riversideparramatta.com.au/whats-on/1984-shake-and-stir/
Type: Theatrical adaptation of classic novel
If you liked: Kafka’s The Trial, Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, Yevgeny Zamyatin’s We
It’s a tragedy that by the time you read this, the only chance you’ll have to see this stunning production of 1984 is if you live somewhere other than Sydney on their touring schedule. The Shake & Stir Company has an absolutely stellar reputation for adapting classic novels for the stage and flooring audiences with their amazing staging, design, acting and impact. I’ve seen several of their productions – they always excel, and 1984 is no exception.

Shake & Stir‘s production of 1984 in 2013 was pretty amazing when I first saw it, but the 2025 adaptation takes it to a whole new level of high impact audience experience. With a sophisticated and highly cinematic video and sound integration by creative producer Ross Balbuziente, designer Josh McIntosh, lighting designer Jason Glenwright, sound designer Guy Webster, and video designer Craig Wilkinson, the production grabs you from the first word and doesn’t let go until the final crushing moment. The interval is skipped which works brilliantly in making the relentless momentum and engagement all the more gripping. The dark blue and grey hues of the set and screen, and the crumbling concrete walls create a suitably oppressive environment. Spotlights cleverly target the audience which are properly unsettling, with swinging doors that open out new sets for the old shop or the prison cell. Overseeing it all is the conception of Big Brother on the screens, which is intimidating and perfectly executed.
I won’t go into the plot – surely no-one needs a summary? Suffice to say that every era since the novel was published in 1949, has had it applied as a prophetic metaphor, from Stalin’s USSR, to the McCarthy era in the USA and every political state since. Nevertheless, the impact of the action and concepts in 1984 rings so aptly and loudly now, that it is truly disturbing. The surveillance element enabled by advanced technology and the open and unaccountable lying by public figures, coupled with the egregious politics we see getting a grip in our populations – is 1984 playing out in real time? As O’Brien says, “Truth is whatever the Party says it is”.
…maybe The Party does not ultimately succeed in its mission to control and crush its people. We hope so.
The cast is skilled, disciplined and consistently spot on. Michael Whalley as Winston Smith does the heavy lifting as he is on stage and screen for virtually the whole play, Chloe Bayliss captures the right kind of perky schoolgirl rebellion in Julia that is no match for the Thought Police. David Whitney and Tony Cogin share the key role of O’Brien. Steven Rooke as Parsons is cringingly good as the hapless Outer Party machine man and Abhilash Kaimal does a solid turn as Syme and the shopkeeper Charrington.
Direction by Michael Futcher maintains the pace effectively and relentlessly, and spikes the emotions and creative effects at the right moments during key turning points throughout. The adaptation has wisely shaved out some of the backstory elements to keep its focus, although it could enhance the horror for the audience to know just why Winston is so afraid of rats when he is threatened in Room 101.
This production is a perfectly executed, highly sophisticated adaptation with a stunningly creative concept and use of video and lighting. Shake & Stir are to be commended and celebrated for their dedication to their art and skill. Perhaps we could end on a positive note, as it’s often missed that the end of 1984 contains an ‘appendix’ which suggests that maybe The Party does not ultimately succeed in its mission to control and crush its people. We hope so.

For Shake & Stir’s 1984 2025 National Tour dates, visit https://shakeandstir.com.au/mainstage/1984#touring-dates
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
Cast Michael Whalley, Chloe Bayliss, David Whitney, Tony Cogin, Steven Rooke and Abhilash Kaimal.