Keith Allen to star in George Orwell's 1984 at Liverpool Playhouse

A new stage adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 is coming to Liverpool Playhouse this month.

To commemorate 75 years since the publication of George Orwell’s 1984, a thrilling new stage adaptation is coming to Liverpool Playhouse, written by Ryan Craig, who was nominated as Most Promising Playwright at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards. The production stars actor, comedian, and musician Keith Allen as O’Brien.

On 4  April 1984, Winston Smith, comrade number 6079, starts a diary, a simple act which puts Winston’s life in jeopardy. A clandestine love affair with co-worker Julia further enrages the authorities, but can they truly trust each other? And what of the mysterious O’Brien? Will he help them overthrow the regime, confront them with their most terrifying fears, or worse…?

Credit: 1984 / Liverpool Playhouse / Simon Annand

George Orwell’s masterpiece creates a world where every action is painstakingly monitored and controlled by a powerful regime, where independent thought and choice are relics of an almost-forgotten past.

Keith Allen, who plays O’Brien, said:

“The absolute truth of what Orwell was hinting at, has come to fruition. We have very slowly normalised a lot of that, and that is very frightening. I think this is a very prescient play, and this is the right moment in time to be doing it.”

Directed by Lindsay Posner, one of the UK’s most sought-after directors with recent credits including West End runs of Noises Off, A View From The Bridge, and the sell-out success of The Deep Blue Sea, Posner said:

“To return to such a great, welcoming city with its thriving theatrical culture will no doubt prove a great pleasure both for myself and the company of 1984.”

The creative team includes  Justin Nardella  (Set, Costume and Video Designer),  Paul Pyant (Lighting Designer) and  Giles Thomas  (Sound Designer), with Associate Video Designer  Stanley Orwin-Fraser, Casting Director  Ginny Schiller  CDG, Associate Director  George Jibson  and Assistant Designer  Lorelei Cairns. 

1984 is coming to the Liverpool Playhouse from Tuesday 19 November to Saturday 23 November. Tickets are priced from £11 to £36. Orwell Duo Ticket Offer Save £5 per ticket when audiences book for 1984 and Animal Farm (running from Tuesday 1 April to Saturday 5 April 2025) in a single transaction.