As the immersive version of 1984 (based on George Orwell’s prophetic novel) continues to take over several locations within Hackney Town Hall, until 22 Dec, we caught up with director Jack Reardon for a chat.
Ticket link: https://immersive1984.com/
Why 1984, why now, and why Hackney?
When you pick up a classic text and it immediately feels modern, you know it’s a story that needs to be told.
1984 is Orwell’s most enduring novel. Whether it’s life imitating art or art imitating life, his words still strike a chord with readers.
I think we forget how much of 1984 has seeped into the lexicon of modern language. Big Brother, Thought Crime, have rooted themselves in our lives.
It doesn’t take long scrolling social media, flicking on the news or overhearing a conversation on the tube to feel the timelines of 1984.
We’re living in a scary world where the highest political leaders discredit the news.
What is to be trusted? Who do we believe? What’s fact and what are we just told is fact?
1984 encapsulates a day in 2024 better than any modern drama. It’s a sci-fi story turned true crime.
Step through the doors of Hackney Town Hall. It hits you immediately. You feel the power, the grandeur, the authority. Hackney have been such amazing hosts, allowing us to transform their beautiful building, but you can’t help become immersed in the world.
We couldn’t have built a better building. It’s perfect. I think the building is our tenth character. It comes alive during the show … in more ways than one.
Do you think the story still has resonance in the 21st century?
If anything, it resonates more now than it did when it was first released. We’re not fearing some super surveillance system, we can see it.
Everyone’s phone, laptop, CCTV, car, doorbell has a camera in it! Big Brother is always watching!
Our production utilises incredible audio visual technology, bringing the text into our world. We play on those ideas of fact vs fiction, news vs fake news. What’s real and what does the party want you to see.
Our production leaves audiences looking over their shoulder the whole journey home – it’s a great night out.
The play is semi-immersive. What should audiences expect?
Audiences will feel involved in the story. They have choices to make. They’ll feel how hard that is when part of the crowd.
I think when the lights come on at the end, audiences are left looking at each other, wondering what they would do or more so, what they have done.
Come early, grab a drink, listen to some music, and join the anti-sex league. Your journey to the ministry is only just beginning.
Sell the show to us in three words!
Shocking, timely, blockbuster,
What’s next after this run?
I don’t think that’s for me to say. I’m incredibly proud of my creative team and my cast.
Each one of them has crafted this production and made something truly special. I don’t see Orwell’s world becoming any less relevant.
If audiences need a mirror or a warning or an escape, maybe our production will be back again and again and again.
Image credit: Maggie Jupe