1984
By George Orwell.
Adapted by Shake & Stir
Big Brother is back. Shake & Stir’s acclaimed 10th anniversary stage adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 returns with power and urgency.
From the multi award-winning team behind Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, this bold production stars Michael Whalley (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), Chloe Bayliss (Doctor Doctor), and David Whitney (The Wharf Revue).
It was a bright cold day, and the clocks were striking thirteen…Winston Smith, an editor at the Ministry of Truth, sits quietly. A quick swig of gin; a glance of quiet optimism toward the telescreen. Winston opens his diary, puts pen to paper, and in doing so, commits the essential crime that contains all others in itself. A radical and unprecedented act of rebellion.
Discovered, entrapped, and incarcerated in the Ministry of Love, Winston, in defending his burning desire for personal freedom, prepares for the fight of his life. Can the oppressive forces of The Party, led by BIG BROTHER, obliterate the indomitable human spirit? And what exactly awaits within Room 101?
A must-see for theatre lovers, Orwell fans and HSC students just weeks before trial exams. Scroll down to find out about our FREE 1984 Workshop for Schools.
“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
AUDIENCE INFORMATION
Suitable for: Ages 14+ (General Public) and Years 9 – 12 (School Groups).
Duration: 100 minutes (No interval plus a Q&A with the cast following the matinee performance).
Please note: This production contains mature themes, simulated violence, strobe lighting and loud sound effects/music.
SCHOOL BOOKINGS
Getting Here | Risk Assessment | Teacher’s Resource Kit and Curriculum Links
FREE 1984 SCHOOLS WORKSHOP
Book 20 student tickets or more to see Shake & Stir’s 1984 on Friday 13 June at either 1.00pm or 7.30pm and you will be eligible for a free 1.5 hour pre-show workshop (worth $300), delivered by one of Q Theatre’s expert Teaching Artists, either at your school or at The Joan.
In this practical workshop, students will explore the story, themes and key ideas presented in George Orwell’s 1984, within the overarching study module focus of Texts and Human Experiences. Through group activities and practical exercises, students will review the context, purpose and structure of the story, relating it to their own personal experience, the world of the text and their wider world.
As a perfect preparation for seeing the production as well as the upcoming HSC trials, each session is tailored to the study and revision needs of HSC English students and can accommodate up to 30 students.
If you are interested in arranging a workshop for your school or group, please indicate your interest on the ticket booking form and we will be in touch to organise the workshop time and venue. For more information about the workshops, please email peta.downes@penrith.city
ENHANCE YOUR THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE: FREE TALK
CLASSIC CONVERSATIONS: GEORGE ORWELL’S 1984
Join Emeritus Professor Peter Marks for this special talk as he explores why the dark totalitarian future of George Orwell’s 1984 has so much to tell us in 2025.
Presented in partnership with The Joan and Penrith City Libraries click here to find out more and book your free tickets.
Cast & Creatives
Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij / Adaptors
Michael Futcher / Director
Ross Balbuziente / Creative Producer
Josh McIntosh / Designer
Jason Glenwright / Lighting Designer
Guy Webster / Sound Designer
Craig Wilkinson / Video Designer
Michael Whalley / Winston Smith
Chloe Bayliss / Julia
David Whitney / O'Brien
Steven Rooke
Abhilash Kaimal
- Key Info:
- Dates & Times
- Tickets
- Accessibility
Meet the Cast and Creatives
Nelle Lee - Adaptor
For Shake & Stir as Adaptor / Writer: James and the Giant Peach, Frankenstein, Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas!, The Twits, Fourthcoming, Jane Eyre, A Christmas Carol, George’s Marvellous Medicine, Dracula, Tequila Mockingbird, 1984, Out Damn Snot, Statespeare. For Shake & Stir as Actor: The Twits, Jane Eyre, Fantastic Mr Fox, A Christmas Carol, George’s Marvellous Medicine, Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts, Wuthering Heights, Animal Farm, Dracula, 1984, Tequila Mockingbird, Statespeare, Out Damn Snot (Shake & Stir / La Boite). Other Theatre: The Crucible, Maxine Mellor’s Mystery Project, Property of the Clan (Queensland Theatre), and Complete Works of William Shakespeare by Chicks (Brisbane Festival). Film and TV: The Inbetweeners 2, Sea Patrol seasons 2 & 3, Mortified and the feature film JUCY. Positions: Nelle is a Co-Artistic Director of Shake & Stir and has written and performed in productions that have toured across the country (2006 – present). Training: Bachelor Theatre Arts (Acting) from the University of Southern Queensland. Awards: 2011 USQ Alumnus Award, 2011 USQ Arts Faculty Award. Numerous Matilda Awards including: Gold Matilda Award in recognition of Shake & Stir’s national touring work (2020), Best Musical or Cabaret for Green Day’s American Idiot (2017), Best Mainstage Production and Gold Matilda Award for creating Tequila Mockingbird (2014), Best Independent Production for Animal Farm (2012). Helpmann Award nominations include: Best Presentation for Children (2012, 2016), Best Regional Touring Production (2016).
Nick Skubij - Adaptor
For Shake & Stir Theatre Co: As Director: Fourteen, Fourthcoming, Wuthering Heights (2014, 2016), Statespeare (2009), La Bohème (for Opera Queensland), FiZZ! (for Opera Queensland). As actor: The Twits, Fantastic Mr Fox (Sydney Theatre Company), A Christmas Carol, George’s Marvellous Medicine (2016, 2018 national tour), Dracula (2015, 2017 national tour), Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts (2014, 2015 and 2019 national tours), Tequila Mockingbird (2013, 2016), 1984 (2012, 2014 national tour), Animal Farm (2011, 2013 national tour), Statespeare (2009, 2011 national tour), Out Damn Snot (La Boite Theatre). As Adaptor / Writer: Fourteen, Jane Eyre, Fantastic Mr Fox, George’s Marvellous Medicine, Dracula, Wuthering Heights, 1984, Animal Farm, Out Damn Snot. Other Theatre: Romeo & Juliet (Queensland Theatre), Eurobeat (QPAC), Citizen Jane (JUTE), Crackle, Snap, Pop (JUTE / Queensland Theatre), Surviving Jonah Salt (KEDT / JUTE), The Fiveways (Brisbane Festival), Macbeth, Franz Kafka’s The Trial, As You Like it, Titus Andronicus (Grin and Tonic). Film and TV: Toybox season 2 (Channel 7). Positions: Nick is a founding member and Co-Artistic Director of Shake & Stir Theatre Co (2006 – present). Awards: Numerous Matilda Awards including: Gold Matilda Award in recognition of Shake & Stir’s national touring work (2020), Best Musical or Cabaret for Green Day’s American Idiot (2017), Best Mainstage Production and Gold Matilda Award Tequila Mockingbird (2014), Best Production for Animal Farm (2012). Matilda Award nomination for Best Mainstage (Fourteen – 2021) Best Director (Fourteen – 2021), Lead Actor (Dracula – 2015). Helpmann Award nominations include: Best Presentation for Children (2012, 2016), Best Regional Touring Production (2016).
Michael Futcher - Director
For Shake & Stir Theatre Co: Jane Eyre (2019, 2022 national tour), A Christmas Carol (since 2018), Endgame, Dracula (2015, 2017 national tour), 1984 (2012, 2014 national tour), Tequila Mockingbird (2013, 2016 Qld tour), Animal Farm (2011, 2013, 2021 national tour). Other Theatre: Michael has worked over the past 40 years with many of Queensland’s major theatre companies in various capacities, including actor, director, dramaturg and writer and, with Helen Howard, is the joint artistic director of Matrix Theatre. Michael is also an acting coach for film and tv. As Director: Most recently: Love-Lies-Bleeding (Ad Astra); Diary of a Madman (Matrix); The Mystery of the Valkyrie (Woodward Productions). For Queensland Theatre: Treasure Island (with Matrix Theatre), 1001 Nights (with Zen Zen Zo and QMF), Grimm Tales, Rabbit Hole, The Glass Menagerie and Oz Shorts; For La Boite: Pale Blue Dot, Walking By Apple Tree Creek, The Drowning Bride, James and Johnno, Salt and, in co-production with Matrix Theatre and Brisbane Festival, the critically-acclaimed A Beautiful Life, which toured nationally in 2000 winning Michael Best Director at the Victorian Green Room Awards along with three other awards; For Matrix Theatre: Piano Lessons, The Wishing Well, Citizen Jane, The King and the Corpse!, 1347 and Cutting Loose. In 2009, Michael’s production of The Kursk (Matrix / Metro Independents / Critical stages) toured nationally to over 35 venues receiving a Helpmann Award nomination and three Matilda Awards, including Best Director. Other productions include: Oresteia (Griffith University), Dirty Apple (Opera Qld / Backbone), The Winter’s Tale, Cymbeline, The Crucible (QUT), and Macbeth (Rheingold Theatre Club, London). Awards: Michael has won several Matilda Awards, a Green Room Award and a Playlab Award, and been nominated for a Helpmann Award, an Awgie, and two Queensland Premier’s Drama Awards.
Ross Balbuziente - Content Producer
For Shake & Stir Theatre Co: As Director: James and the Giant Peach, Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas!, The Twits, Fantastic Mr Fox (Sydney Theatre Company), George’s Marvellous Medicine, Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts, Statespeare, Out Damn Snot (La Boite Theatre). The Frog Prince, Hansel & Gretel, FiZZ! (Opera Queensland). Shake & Stir’s in-school productions including: Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet, Shake Up!, Smile & Be A Villain, Tragic Magic, Chop Logic, Bard to the Bone, Say it to My Face Book, Try Hard, Oversharer, Vacant and Popular. As actor: A Christmas Carol (2018-2021), Dracula (2015, 2017 national tour), Wuthering Heights (2014, 2016 national tour), 1984 (2012, 2014 national tour), Tequila Mockingbird (2013, 2016 Qld tour), Animal Farm (2011, 2013 national tour), Statespeare (2009, 2011 national tour). Other Theatre: As actor: Romeo & Juliet (Queensland Theatre), Julius Caesar (La Boite Theatre Company), Citizen Jane (JUTE), Assassins (Warehaus Theatre / QPAC), As You Like It, The Comedy of Errors, Titus Andronicus and Monkey and His Magic Journey to the West (Grin & Tonic), Shakespeare’s Strangers (Globe Stage London). Positions: Ross is a founding member and Co-Artistic Director of Shake & Stir and has created and produced over 100 productions (2006 – present). Awards: Numerous Matilda Awards including: Gold Matilda Award in recognition of Shake & Stir’s national touring work (2020), Best Musical or Cabaret for Green Day’s American Idiot (2017), Best Mainstage Production and Gold Matilda Award for creating Tequila Mockingbird (2014), Best Independent Production for Animal Farm (2012). Helpmann Award nominations include: Best Presentation for Children (2012, 2016), Best Regional Touring Production (2016). Matilda Award nominations include: Best Director, Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role.
Josh McIntosh - Designer
For Shake & Stir Theatre Co: James and the Giant Peach, Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas!, Fourteen, The Twits, Fourthcoming, Jane Eyre, Fantastic Mr Fox, A Christmas Carol, Green Day’s American Idiot (2017, 2018 national tour), Endgame, George’s Marvellous Medicine (2016, 2018 national tour), Dracula, Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts (2014, 2015, 2019 national tours), Wuthering Heights (2014, 2016 national tour), Tequila Mockingbird (2013, 2016 Qld tour), Out Damn Snot, 1984 (2012, 2014 national tour), Animal Farm (2011, 2013 national tour), Statespeare (2011 national tour). Other Theatre: (Country Song, Rabbit Hole and Design Consultant for Thom Pain (Queensland Theatre), Treasure Island (Matrix & Queensland Theatre). For La Boite: Pale Blue Dot, The Kursk (with Critical Stages & Matrix), The Wishing Well (with Matrix), The Danger Age, The Year Nick McGowan Came to Stay, and Red Cap (with QMF). For Queensland Ballet: The Little Mermaid, Peter & the Wolf, The Little Green Road to Fairyland (with QMF). Beautiful, Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Matt Ward Entertainment) and Jersey Boys (Legend House) at Gold Coast’s Star Casino. Immersive theatre experience Love, Lust, Lost for Broad Encounters, Slow Boat for Playlab Theatre and From Campfire to Stagelight for JUTE Theatre. Josh regularly designs for Strut & Fret, Debase Productions, Flipside Theatre, Homunculus Theatre, Matrix Theatre and many others. Festival Design: Brisbane Festival (2022, 2023, 2024), Queensland Music Festival’s Music Trails (2023), QPAC’s Out of the Box children’s festival and elements of Strut’n’Fret’s The Garden of Unearthly Delights. Awards: Matilda Gold Award: Body of Work (2011). Matilda Silver Award: Best Set Design for Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts (2019); Best Design for A Christmas Carol (2018); Best Set Design for Green Day’s American Idiot (2017), Best Set Design for Dracula (2016).
Jason Glenwright - Lighting Designer
For Shake & Stir Theatre Co: James and the Giant Peach, The Twits, Fourthcoming, Jane Eyre, Fantastic Mr Fox, A Christmas Carol, Endgame, George’s Marvellous Medicine (2016, 2018 national tour), Dracula, Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts (2014, 2015, 2019 national tours), Wuthering Heights (2014, 2016 national tour), Tequila Mockingbird (2013, 2016 Qld tour), Out Damn Snot, 1984 (2012, 2014 national tour), Animal Farm (2011, 2013, 2021 national tour), The Tempest, Romeo & Juliet (Qld Youth Shakespeare Festival and Shake & Stir). Other Credits: For Belvoir Street Theatre: Tiddas; For Queensland Theatre: Taming of the Shrew, The Holidays, City of Gold (Co-production with Griffin Theatre Company); The Longest Minute (Co-production with JUTE Theatre and Debase Theatre), Country Song, Argus (Co-production with Dead Puppet Society), I Want to Know What Love Is, A Tribute of Sorts, The Removalists, Faustus (Co-production with Bell Shakespeare), Water Falling Down, The Little Dog Laughed, Thom Pain (based on nothing); Griffin Theatre Company: Rice (Co-production with Queensland Theatre), A Hoax (Co-production with La Boite); Tiddas, An Ideal Husband, Laser Beak Man (Co-production with Dead Puppet Society), The Tragedy of King Richard III, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Pale Blue Dot, Ruben Guthrie, Julius Caesar,The Kursk; Opera Qld: Straight from the Strait, A Flowering Tree, Kiss Me, Kate; Little Red Theatre Company: Your Song, Lady Beatle (Co-production with La Boite), Wrecking Ball, Rumour Has It: Sixty Minutes Inside Adele; SK Entertainment: Friends the Musical Parody, Menopause The Musical; The Good Room: Let’s Be Friends Furever (Co‑production with Brisbane Festival), One Bottle Later, That’s What She Said, I’ve Been Meaning To Ask You (Co-production with Brisbane Festival), I Just Came To Say Goodbye (Co‑production with Brisbane Festival), I Should Have Drunk More Champagne; Flipside Circus: Dogs in the Schoolyard, We Live Here; JUTE: La Bella Figura, To Kill A Cassowary, Bukal, Here We All Are. Assembled, Joh For PM (Co-production with Brisbane Powerhouse). Awards: Best Lighting Design for The Twits (2022), Your Song (2021), Carrie The Musical (2017), Best Technical Design for Dracula (2016), Gold Matilda for Body of Work (2013). Positions: Lighting Coordinator Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts 2023 – ongoing. Website: jasonglenwright.com
Guy Webster - Sound Designer
For Shake & Stir Theatre Co: James and the Giant Peach, Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas!, Fourteen, The Twits, Fourthcoming, Jane Eyre, Fantastic Mr Fox, Endgame, George’s Marvellous Medicine (2016, 2018 national tour), Dracula (2015, 2017 national tour), Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts (2014, 2015, 2019 national tours), Wuthering Heights (2014, 2016 national tour), Tequila Mockingbird (2013, 2016 Qld tour), Out Damn Snot, 1984 (2012, 2014 national tour), Animal Farm (2011, 2013 national tour), Statespeare (2009, 2011 national tour). Guy Webster is a performer, composer, musician, sound designer and teacher. While his live performances have earned him a reputation as a prolific and inspiring songwriter, his work in interactive composition and sound design has featured in festivals, galleries, conferences and theatres in Australia, Japan, UK, Europe, USA and China. Other Theatre: L’Appartement, Constellations, The Seagull, Brisbane, The Effect, Kelly, Venus in Fur, Orphans (Queensland Theatre), Naked & Screaming, From Darkness, Lysa and the Freeborn Dames, The Tragedy of King Richard III, A Streetcar Named Desire, As You Like It, Ruben Guthrie, I Love You, Bro, The Pineapple Queen, The White Earth, Kitchen Diva, Summer Wonderland, The Narcissist, Last Drinks, Urban Dingoes and Crèche & Burn (La Boite), The Rising (Circus Corridor), Welcome To Sameville, Locked In, Viral (Shock Therapy Productions), Torrent (Lisa Wilson / DanceNorth), Bunker (Lisa Wilson / Nathan Sibthorpe), La Bella Figura, To Kill A Cassowary, Here We Are All Assembled, The Salt Remains (JUTE). Other Music: Guy has released several CDs and performed on many stages supporting the likes of Beth Orton, Ed Harcourt, Powderfinger, The Cruel Sea, Mad Professor, Eskimo Joe, Ben Lee and Sarah Blasko.
Craig Wilkinson - Video Designer
For Shake & Stir Theatre Co: James and the Giant Peach, Fourthcoming, Fantastic Mr Fox, A Christmas Carol, Green Day’s American Idiot (2017, 2018 national tour), Wuthering Heights (2014, 2016 national tour), 1984 (2012, 2014 national tour). Other Theatre: Boy Swallows Universe (Queensland Theatre / Brisbane Festival / QPAC), First Casualty, The Mountaintop, Gasp! (Queensland Theatre), Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical (David Venn Enterprises), Singin’ In The Rain – In Concert (Prospero Arts / QPAC), Dein Perry’s Tap Dogs (Broadway Entertainment Group), Shaun The Sheep’s Circus Show (CiRCA / Aardman Animation), Avoidable Perils (Counterpilot), Let’s Be Friends Furever, I’ve Been Meaning To Ask You (The Good Room / Brisbane Festival), Prize Fighter, Pale Blue Dot (La Boite), One The Bear (Black Honey Company / La Boite / Campbelltown Arts Centre), Snapshot (Polytoxic), Frank & Fearless, The Night Parrot, Help Is On It’s Way, Voices of Remembrance, One Hundred and One Years (Queensland Music Festival), Seven Sisters Songline (HHO Events for the Canberra Centenary), Terror Australis (Leah Shelton), Viva Spectacular, Cyber Illusion Spectacular (Aerial Angels Australia / Ocean Park Hong Kong). Positions: Creative Director, optikal bloc; Accredited Member, Australian Production Design Guild; Seasonal Lecturer in Live Performance Video Design, QUT. Awards: Australian Production Design Guild – Video Design for a Live Performance or Event Awards for First Casuality, Boy Swallows Universe, Avoidable Perils; Matilda Award – Video Design for Boy Swallows Universe, Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox, A Christmas Carol; Adelaide Fringe – John Chataway Innovation Award Terror Australis; Matilda Award Gold Matilda, Body of Work Pale Blue Dot, The Mountaintop, Wuthering Heights, Gasp!, 1984.
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