In a world where we organise our lives online, having a reminder of the impact of an all-seeing, all-controlling organisation and how what we think we know and remember can be changed in an instance, is a sharp shock to the system. Box Tale Soup work their magic with beautifully nuanced puppetry and moveable, adjustable sets in this new adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984.
In this production, there is less puppetry than previous works, which makes perfect sense for this world: here, the faceless, non-individual must exist in a world where everything is covered up. Thoughts must be reined in, individual viewpoints cannot exist: everything is bland, controlled by Big Brother who is always watching you. Only when people reveal themselves as individuals can actual humans be seen. This is a clever use of puppets to help the differentiation.
The set is moveable and adaptable. Box Tale Soup use sustainable methods and recycling as much as possible: the sets are cleverly adaptable and the centrepiece, which morphs into a torture chamber and an identifiable figure, is a seemingly simple, but wonderfully ingenious set piece.
The three performers are strong and tell the story clearly, moving seamlessly between characters and places within the story. The final image of the world in which Winston Smith ends up is striking and remains in the subconscious, an all-seeing eye into a world that is less distant than we may hope. The cast played to a packed house, so you would do well to book your ticket while you can, so you do not miss out on this moving version of Orwell’s masterpiece.
Show Time: 9-25 Aug (not 13) @ 11:25
Pleasance Courtyard
Ticket Prices: £14-£17
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/1984
Warnings: This show contains flashing lights, smoke, loud noises, sexual references and distressing or potentially triggering themes including references to incarceration and torture.
Space Accessibility: Accessible entry: Main queue on road outside. Lift access through Pleasance Bar — ask at Box Office or bar for assistance. Performance space is on the First Floor up 20 steps on a permanent stone staircase that has handrails. Lift dimensions are 1200mm x 1200mm, max. Weight 500kg. The lift can accept power wheelchairs. Wheelchair access type: Lift (Building Lift). Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets, Audio Enhancement System. Stairs: 11- 20. Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above. May not apply to all performances.
Age Suitability: 12+ (Guideline). Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 2 years