Chloe Lamford

Casting Announced for 1984 at Playhouse Theatre

News, West End
1984 by George Orwell at the Playhouse Theatre

1984 will return to the Playhouse Theatre for a limited summer season and new casting has just been announced for the show’s third West End season. The cast for the hit West End production of George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece will be: Rosie Ede, Andrew Gower, Joshua Higgott, Richard Katz, Anthony O’Donnell, Daniel Rabin, Catrin Stewart and Angus Wright alongside Eve Benioff Salama, Cleopatra Dickens, Amber Fernee and India Fowler who will alternate the role of Child. Now seen by over a quarter of a million people, this Headlong, Nottingham Playhouse and Almeida Theatre production premiered at Nottingham Playhouse in September 2013. Since opening, the production has played to packed houses at the Almeida Theatre, as well as throughout its two West End runs and in performances across the globe during national and international tours. 1984 is directed by Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan with Daniel Raggett, set and costume is … Read more

The success of Headlong’s 1984 and its contribution to the future of theatre

Features, West End
1984 by George Orwell at the Playhouse Theatre

It was announced this week that, due to unprecedented demand, Headlong’s 1984 is extending its run at the Playhouse Theatre until August 23rd, prior to its second UK tour. The play itself reminds us of the dangers of following suit. The popularity of this anti-populist play therefore is a particularly pertinent indicator of some significant shifts in theatre. Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillian’s 1984 is more harrowing, chilling and stimulating than it is enjoyable. A bit like spending 1hr 41 minutes in a refrigerator – cold and bright – 1984 is brilliant if you like your theatre heart free and served up over ice. This is innovation as well as imitation; truthful to the novel and yet bold with interpretation. The writer-directors embrace the novel’s appendix, using it a framing device. The play gives voice to the book’s accompanying comment, opening in the seemingly familiar territory of a discussion group where … Read more

REVIEW: The Twits, Royal Court Theatre ✭✭

Off West End, Reviews
The Twits by Roald Dahl at the Jerwood Theatre

With both Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda still playing with great success elsewhere, this is the latest attempt to bring Dahl’s unique alchemy of moralised, uplifting, yet also disturbing, and quirky childhood adventure to the London stage. However, unfortunately this current adaptation cannot stand alongside those two multi-layered yet flexible masterpieces with any great conviction.