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In celebration of the 76th anniversary of the publication of George Orwell’s 1984, Shake & Stir Theatre Co is proud to bring its critically acclaimed stage adaptation to The Joan, Penrith for two performances only on 13 June 2025.
Brought to life by the multi award-winning team behind Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, Frankenstein and Dracula, this electrifying production remains fiercely faithful to Orwell’s iconic novel, while delivering a gripping, high-impact theatrical experience that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.
The exceptional cast features a line-up of celebrated Australian performers, including Michael Whalley (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Winston Smith, Chloe Bayliss (Doctor Doctor) as Julia, and David Whitney (The Wharf Revue, My Fair Lady) returning to the role of O’Brien. Rounding off the cast is Steven Rooke (Fourteen, Animal Farm) and Abhilash Kaimal (Nautilus). Their performances will bring to life the harrowing world of Oceania, where surveillance is omnipresent, truth is rewritten, and resistance is perilous.
Adapted by Shake & Stir’s Co-Artistic Directors, Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij, and directed by Michael Futcher, the award-winning creative team includes Josh McIntosh (Set Designer), Jason Glenwright (Lighting Design), Guy Webster (Sound Design), and Craig Wilkinson (Video Design), whose combined talents bring the story to life with striking intensity.
“The parallels between Orwell’s world and our own are striking – not just in politics, but across all aspects of modern life,” says Nick Skubij. “His exploration of fear and control is something we are eager to bring to the stage and we are thrilled to have assembled a brilliant cast that will tear into this powerful piece of theatre.”
David Whitney said, “I am double plus excited to be reprising the role of O’Brien in Shake & Stir’s thrilling adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 – this production remains a highlight of my career. I can’t wait to revisit the dystopian world we created so effectively and to re-explore its terrifying complexities with a new lens in 2025. Performing 1984 today is more than revisiting a classic – it’s a wake-up call. Orwell’s message has never been more urgent, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it again.”
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience one of the most powerful and timely theatrical events of the year at The Joan.
Key Details
Date & Times:
Friday 13 June at 1pm & 7:30pm
Venue:
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith
Tickets:
General Public Standard $75, Concession $70, Student $40
School Groups Student/Additional Teacher $35 each (1 free teacher per 20 students booked)
A fee of $5 applies to all bookings.
Click Here for More Info & Bookings
Reviews
"This is one of the most carefully integrated productions I’ve experienced. The emotional circumstances conjured by Orwell in print are superbly realised on stage."
The Border Mail
"Shake & Stir cement themselves as masters of adaptation with 1984."
Australian Stage
"Tripleplusgood."
The Courier Mail
"This is a powerful production."
Stage Whispers
"Fearless and flawless."
XS Entertainment
"A production that Shake and Stir you to the core, 1984 should be mandatory viewing for all humans."
AussieTheatre.com
Cast and Creative Team
Starring Michael Walley, Chloe Bayliss, David Whitney, Steven Rooke and Abhilash Kaimal.
Adaptors Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij
Director Michael Futcher
Creative Producer Ross Balbuziente
Designer Josh McIntosh
Lighting Designer Jason Glenwright
Sound Designer Guy Webster
Video Designer Craig Wilkinson
About Shake & Stir Theatre Co
Established in 2006, Shake & Stir is one of the country’s leading touring theatre companies and producers of live entertainment.
Shake & Stir tours regularly throughout every State and Territory of Australia with a passion for delivering exceptional live theatre experiences to audiences in both metro and regional areas – on mainstages and in schools.
The company’s work has been seen in over 150 venues across Australia and New Zealand. Mainstage productions include Frankenstein, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, 2:22 A Ghost Story, GRIMM, Jane Eyre, A Christmas Carol, Dracula, Wuthering Heights, 1984, Animal Farm, Fourthcoming, Fourteen and the Australian premiere tour of Green Day’s musical American Idiot.
The Company frequently collaborates with Roald Dahl Story Company and has produced smash hit, original stage adaptations of titles including James and the Giant Peach, The Twits, Fantastic Mr Fox, George’s Marvellous Medicine, Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Image Credits:
Joel Devereux