1984 tour announces casting

The full cast has been revealed for Dominic Hill’s new stage adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984, which opens at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow next month before touring to Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Adapted by Chris Hannan, the co-production between the Citizens Theatre, Dundee Rep Theatre and the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh begins performances on 29 August, with a press night on 3 September.

Jack Tarlton (Outlander) will play Winston Smith, opposite award-winner Jessica Hardwick (Gush) as Julia. Irene MacDougall (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) takes on the role of O’Brien, with the company completed by Irene Allan, Neshla Caplan, Robert Jack, Peter Collins and Zrey Sholapurkar, who will each perform multiple roles.

Based on George Orwell’s landmark dystopian novel, 1984 follows Winston Smith and Julia as their forbidden relationship becomes an act of resistance in a totalitarian society built on surveillance, fear and the manipulation of truth.

Director Dominic Hill said: “Theatre is at its most exciting when it brings audiences together to confront urgent ideas, and there are few stories more compelling than 1984. Chris Hannan has created a thrilling adaptation that is both intimate and epic, and this remarkable company of actors will bring extraordinary humanity to Orwell’s unforgettable characters. We’re delighted to be sharing this production with audiences across Scotland.”

Following its Glasgow run from 29 August to 26 September, 1984 tours to Dundee Rep Theatre (30 September to 10 October), His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (13 to 17 October), and the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh (27 October to 7 November).

The creative team, including casting director, is to be confirmed.