He who controls the past controls the future.
Leeds Arts Centre is proud to present George Orwell’s gripping drama, 1984. This dynamic and modern retelling is adapted for the stage by Matthew Dunster and directed by Sophie Clement.
THE STORY
Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth in an imagined, dystopian Britain. His job is to rewrite history by redacting and updating information as dictated by The Party. Like so many other citizens, he is scrutinized to ensure total loyalty and no independent thought.
His life of quiet disobedience is rocked by the arrival of Julia and an invitation to learn more about The Brotherhood, an organization opposed to The Party’s Dictator: Big Brother.
In a world that suppresses truth, emotion and the right to protest, Orwell’s themes of government oppression and pervasive surveillance remain starkly relevant. This production employs modern movement techniques and innovative staging to bring a classic of modern literature to life.
DIRECTOR’S VISION
Director Sophie Clement explains the inspiration behind this production:
“At times it feels like current events around the world are screaming the relevance of this play. 1984 remains an informative warning to modern audiences… we wanted to provoke discussion, empathy for the plight of oppressed people, and create understanding for how pernicious governments can so easily dominate the narrative with fake news”.
“This ambitious project brings together not only a full suite of lighting and sound techniques but also a novel, creative approach to showing emotional depth… supporting Matthew Dunster’s powerful script… with interpretive movement in the guise of our Figments”.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
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Dates: Wednesday 29th April – Saturday 2nd May 2026
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Venue: The Studio, Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds
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Evening Times: 19:30 (Wednesday – Saturday)
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Matinee: 14:00 (Saturday)
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Tickets: £19.84
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Age Guidance: 16+ (Contains nudity, sexual content and explicit descriptions of torture/violence)
BOOKING INFORMATION
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Online: carriageworkstheatre.co.uk/whats-on/1984-lzjg
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Box Office: 0113 376 0318
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Email: [email protected]
FOLLOW LEEDS ARTS CENTRE
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Website: leedsartscentre.org.uk<https://www.leedsartscentre.org.uk>
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Socials: YouTube (@LeedsArtsCentre-fn9fk), Facebook (LeedsArtsCentreLAC), and Instagram (@leedsartscentre)
Main image: Big Brother.
