1984 at Citizens Theatre Glasgow Review
Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic
Content Warnings:
1984 contains distressing themes. Content includes scenes of physical violence and torture, references to sexual violence and suicide, loud sound effects, flashing lights and blackouts throughout. View detailed content information is available on the Citizens Theatre website - 1984: Detailed Content Warnings | Citizens Theatre
Big Brother is watching you.
Three powerhouses of the Scottish theatre landscape have teamed up to bring this latest adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 to the stage, directed by Dominic Hill and written by Chis Hannan.
1984 is a chilling dystopian tale set in a totalitarian society where the ruling Party, led by the omnipresent Big Brother, controls every aspect of life through surveillance, propaganda and the manipulation of truth. The story follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking Party member who secretly questions the regime and longs for freedom, individuality and genuine human connection.
Jack Tarlton plays both Winston and Orwell himself, who we meet writing 1984 from his hospital bed in Glasgow as he undergoes treatment for the tuberculosis that would kill him shortly after the novel was published. Through discussions Orwell has with his doctor it’s easy to see the parallels drawn between his experiences fighting in the Spanish Civil War and the government ideology he goes on to write about in 1984.
Tarlton is excellent in his portrayal of both characters. His stage presence had me completely gripped throughout the production. Jessica Hardwick shines opposite him as Winston’s love interest Julia, bringing charisma and vibrant personality to compliment Winston’s quiet vulnerability. A strong ensemble brings Orwell’s society vision to life, especially in scenes such as the Two-Minute Hate - a daily, government-mandated public ritual where Party members watch a film targeting state enemies and scream-shout their fury.
The stage itself highlights that industrial totalitarian society, with a set designed by Tom Piper that feels almost like a prison, mirroring the life the characters are all trapped within. In act 2 we do indeed find ourselves in a prison as Winston and Julia are held in the cells at the Ministry of Love and tortured by the party. These scenes are where the actors, especially Tarlton, really shine.
At two hours and fifty minutes (with interval) the runtime is lengthy, however it didn’t feel like it at all. The audience was thoroughly gripped throughout, even in spite of the less than cheerful themes of the story.
The themes of 1984 continue to resonate today, challenging audiences to consider the consequences of unchecked power, manipulated narratives and declining trust. Orwell’s warning feels as urgent now as it did when it was first published, with his dystopian vision remaining a powerful reminder of what can happen when truth and trust are undermined.
1984 runs at The Citizens Theatre until 26th September before touring to The Dundee Rep and Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
★★★★★
Written by Kathryn for Theatre and Tonic, September 2026.