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By Hayley Cole, Director of Dance and Drama
This was an audience experience like no other. Three nights of tension, torture, but also tenderness, in this original promenade re-interpretation of the classic text. How can a book remain so relevant? How can an idea resonate still with every generation who draw comparisons to the world they now live in, just as I remember doing when I first read the novel?
This spectacle has sparked conversations throughout the site as all good theatre should. In the words of my two year-old during Sunday’s rehearsal; ‘Mummy this is scary’. It is. It was. The cast, crew, and creative team did not give us a sanitised version, nor did they give us an overindulgent version. They gave us a harrowing, truthful and technically brilliant production which we will always remember, and a few of our audience members have written about below…
Amy Meadows, Parent and OB
Although Orwell wrote this dystopian masterpiece over 75 years ago, it feels unnervingly prophetic because of its themes of totalitarianism, thought control, and psychological manipulation. Its questions about who resists domination, and how freedom of thought can be judged or even punished, are issues we still need to think about today.
It grapples with resistance, freedom of thought, and the influence of technology, from the web to social media and AI, and how we perceive and shape our world. Social media algorithms amplify extreme views, and public shaming spreads rapidly, echoing Orwell’s ‘Newspeak.’ While some may question its suitability for teenagers, I think the play aligns with Bedales’ aim to foster inquisitive, independent minds, encouraging students to reflect on the forces shaping society and their own agency within it.
Simon Whittaker, Visiting Music Teacher
The Bedales Senior production of 1984 was absolutely brilliant. The whole promenade theatre setup made it feel like you were right in the middle of the story, which cranked up the intensity in the best way. The grey, stripped-back look worked perfectly, and the sudden splash of red flags in the riot scene was properly striking.
It was a huge technical and logistical challenge, but everything was handled so smoothly. And the acting, from such young students, was genuinely moving; full of honesty and real emotional punch. All in all, an amazing production that everyone involved should be really proud of.
As an audience member it was deeply affecting and you couldn't help but draw comparisons to modern day life.
Niko Arnaudov, Bedales Strength and Conditioning Coach
The cast and crew of 1984 masterfully brought to life Orwell's cautionary tale with the ever-evolving stage adding a unique spin to traditional theatre. A particular highlight for me was the last act, which was capped off by an eerie acapella rendition of Radiohead's 'Creep'. It featured the whole cast and left everyone with plenty to think about. Well done to everyone involved!
Bertie Cairns, Deputy Head (Academic)
There is theatrical ambition and there is Bedales' ambition. Boy did 1984 push the boat out. Three Winstons, perhaps showing different aspects of his psyche; immersive theatre with stage crew and actors moving the audience to different spaces in the theatre; audio-visual trickery and a large ensemble cast. The final torture scene in the infamous Room 101 was all the more intense because finally the audience were seated and the spotlight fell on an empty space with Winston strapped to a cage of rats. Alfie embodied the horror with brilliant intensity as he portrayed Winston trying to face his worst nightmare; and he caught the pathos of a victim who failed to stand up to the torture.
This was a powerful production that explored the pressing issue of our time: how the truth is exploited and manipulated by the powerful for their own ends.
Henry (6.1), Drama Scholar
I went to see the Senior School production of George Orwell's 1984. Staged in promenade, the set and actors constantly shifted amongst the crowd, moving the focal point from scene to scene. This complete immersion made me, as an audience member, feel as though I was a part of story; a real bystander to Winston’s tragedy. One of the most fascinating elements of the play was when we were corralled backstage to see the more intimate moments, representing a break from Big Brother’s watchful eyes. Having never seen a play in promenade before, by the end my legs were more than a little shaky, but luckily, we were able to sit during the final torture scene, and subsequent epilogue. Overall, an immersive and captivating rendition of a classic novel.
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