George Orwell’s 1984 has haunted generations with its chilling vision of a society ruled by fear, surveillance, and absolute control. As this bold stage production arrives at The Events Centre, we spoke with three of the cast – Michael Whalley (Winston Smith), Chloe Bayliss (Julia), and Abhilash Kaimal (Syme/Charrington) – to uncover their thoughts on the story, its relevance today, and what audiences can expect when they step into Oceania.

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A World of Oppression, Connection, and Resistance

For Michael Whalley, who takes on the role of Winston Smith, the play is about the fight for hope in the darkest of circumstances:

“In a world where everyone’s everything is being monitored, two rebels see a window of hope to fight for what they know can be a beautiful life.”

Chloe Bayliss, playing Julia, points to the controlling nature of the regime and its unnerving familiarity in today’s world:

“1984 is about a totalitarian society that likes to control and manipulate people. We follow Winston Smith as he begins to rebel against the Party after meeting Julia.”

And for Abhilash Kaimal (Syme/Charrington), it’s the human heartbeat that carries the story through:

“1984 is a story of human connection and will. In a world that’s oppressive, how do people find love and meaning in their lives? How do you fight back in a world constantly pushing you down, and ultimately, is it even worth it?”

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1984 and Today: The Warning Still Rings

All three cast members agree: Orwell’s warnings feel more urgent than ever. Surveillance, loss of privacy, fake news, and freedom of speech under threat – these aren’t just themes from a dystopian novel, they’re part of our headlines today.

Chloe draws a direct line to our modern era:

“Surveillance, freedom of speech, fake news… Orwell predicted so much of what we’re living now.”

Michael adds a wry reflection:

“1984 seems like a warning from Orwell that we must strive to upkeep our freedom lest it be slowly, inevitably taken from us, with no turning back. Have we listened? Perhaps not. But smart TVs and phones are so fun and useful, right??”

And Abhilash is clear about the play’s lingering message:

“If there’s one thing audiences should take away, it’s to recognise how close we are/can be to an Orwellian state.”

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Favourite Lines and Moments of Levity

Though the story is intense, the cast finds moments of humour and resonance.

Both Abhilash and Michael agreed on the one character they’d least like to be stuck in a lift with — Parsons. Abhilash joked it’s because “he doesn’t have the ability to shut up,” while Michael added, “It’s likely he’d harp on about his kids the whole ride and then ask me for razor blades. What a punish!”

Chloe is fascinated by the line “It’s called a Versificator, made with no human intervention” which amazingly predicted the current situation with AI.

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What They Hope Audiences Will Feel

This production promises more than just a night at the theatre. The cast hopes audiences walk away shaken, reflective, and alive with questions.

Michael hopes people “love the show as much as they loved the book. I hope they feel terrified, heartbroken, relieved. And I hope they come out feeling reinforced in their love for live theatre.”

Chloe wants the audience to “think critically about the world they live in and start to see the dangers of what can happen when one person or party has too much power.”

Abhilash simply hopes for “thought and introspection.”

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Why You Should See It

Asked why audiences should book tickets, the answers ranged from funny to heartfelt:

Abhilash: “The show is intense, but there are moments of levity and human connection that make it so rewarding.”

Michael: “We will know if you’re thinking of buying a ticket and then choose not to. Big Brother is watching. May as well go ahead and book!”

Chloe: ““Come see our show! It’s a thought-provoking, intense but fun night out!”

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Three Words That Sum It Up

Abhilash: Poignant, Human, Raw

Michael: Freedom, Truth, Untruth

Chloe: Intense, Passionate, Powerful

Together, they paint a picture of a production that is as thrilling as it is urgent – a timeless story brought to life with raw energy and resonance for today’s world.

Don’t miss this unforgettable staging of 1984. Step into Orwell’s world, and leave questioning your own.

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