Following the nationwide success of its touring production of “Frankenstein,” acclaimed Brisbane-based company Shake & Stir Theatre Co is set to return to the stage in 2025 with a bold new adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian classic, “1984.”
Kicking off in May, the tour will travel to over 30 venues across Australia, with a gripping production that promises to deliver Orwell’s vision with renewed urgency and theatrical impact.
Leading the cast is Michael Whalley (“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”) as Winston Smith, alongside Chloe Bayliss (“Doctor Doctor”) as Julia. David Whitney (“The Wharf Revue,” “My Fair Lady”) returns to the role of O’Brien, sharing duties with Tony Cogin (“Frankenstein”). Also featured are Steven Rooke (“Fourteen,” “Animal Farm”) and Abhilash Kaimal (“Nautilus”).
Adapted by Shake & Stir Co-Artistic Directors Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij, and helmed by director Michael Futcher, “1984” brings together an award-winning creative team including designer Josh McIntosh, lighting designer Jason Glenwright, composer and sound designer Guy Webster, and video designer Craig Wilkinson.
“The parallels between Orwell’s world and our own are striking—not just in politics, but across all aspects of modern life,” said Skubij. “His exploration of fear and control is something we were 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.”
Whitney, who reprises the role of O’Brien, called the show a career highlight: “I am ‘double plus’ excited to be reprising the role of O’Brien in Shake & Stir’s thrilling adaptation of George Orwell’s ‘1984’… 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.”
Key dates on the tour include Glen Street Theatre in Sydney (May 15–17), Canberra Theatre Centre (June 5–7), Adelaide Festival Centre (June 26–28), and the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne (July 1–6).
Tickets and the full list of venues are available now via shakeandstir.com.au.