1984

Pleasance

War is peace; Freedom is slavery; Ignorance is strength; Big brother is watching you. 

This is the first time that we’ve seen Box Tale Soup and definitely won’t be the last. A brilliantly put together show with puppetry and props made from recycable sustainable material, it was an hour of mesmerising storytelling.

George Orwell’s distopian tale is retold on stage by the three strong cast giving a stellar performance.

It’s given us lots of food for thought (when it’s not a crime!), with themes of control/dissemination of information and use of language, especially in the current geopolitical climate, being more relevant than ever.

The show gives a 12+ age guidance but we’d recommend for older children and adults. There are potentially triggering themes including references to incarceration and torture.

Our mini reviewer said: “Not quite the same as Big Brother House but now that I have seen the show, I really want to read Orwell’s 1984!”

It’s a ‘double-good-plus-plus’ from us.

(Written by Kieren Geaney)