Big Brother is back!
Published on 15 September 2025
Strap in for an electrifying take on the George Orwell dystopian classic 1984 when the multi award winning Shake & Stir
Theatre Co performs the play at the Pilbeam Theatre in October.
It was a bright cold day, and the clocks were striking thirteen...
Winston Smith, an editor at the Ministry of Truth, sits quietly. A quick swig of gin; a glance of quiet optimism toward the telescreen. Winston opens his diary, puts pen to paper, and in doing so, commits the essential crime that contains all others in itself. A radical and unprecedented act of rebellion.
Discovered, entrapped, and incarcerated in the Ministry of Love, Winston, in defending his burning desire for personal freedom, prepares for the fight of his life. Can the oppressive forces of The Party, led by BIG BROTHER, obliterate the indomitable human spirit?
And what exactly awaits within Room 101?
Established in 2006, Shake & Stir is one of the country’s leading touring theatre companies and producers of live entertainment. The company tours regularly throughout every state and territory of Australia, with a passion for delivering exceptional live theatre experiences to audiences in both metro and regional areas.
Shake & Stir’s production of George Orwell’s 1984 will be performed at the Pilbeam Theatre on Wednesday 15 October at 11am for schools and 7.30pm for the general public. Tickets are on sale from the Pilbeam Theatre Box Office, phone 4927 4111 and www.seeitlive.com.au.
PATRON ADVICE: This production contains: mature themes, simulated violence, strobe lighting and loud sound effects/music.
1984 is presented by Rockhampton Regional Council and is part of the See It Live Theatre Season.
This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
PHOTO: Shake & Stir's1984. Michael Whalley as Winston Smith & Chloe Baylis as Julia
Photo: Joel Devereux
ENDS