One of George Orwell’s most famous books is being played out on the stage this month, writes Andy Bloss.

The Sell a Door Theatre Company are touring the UK with their performance of 1984, adapted by Matthew Dunster.

The Greenwich based theatre company, who have recently put on a series of performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, come to Croydon on Tuesday, May 7.

Winston Smith, the main character, rewrites history for the Ministry of Truth, but when he is handed a note that says simply ‘I love you’ by a woman he hardly knows, he decides to risk everything in a search for the real truth.

In a world where cheap entertainment keeps people content, where war is constantly raging and the Government is always watching, can Winston hold onto what he feels inside?

Or will he renounce everything, accept the Party’s reality and learn to love Big Brother?

The adaptation was originally produced at the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester in March 2010, and receives its first UK tour with Sell A Door.

Artistic Director David Hutchinson says: "Dunster's exciting, visceral adaptation brings Orwell's 1984 uncomfortably to life, and sits nicely in our season of plays aimed at attracting young people to the theatre.

"Whilst Orwell's dystopian novel was written in the 1940s, our growing social dependence on advancing technology is forcing us to ask if Orwell's fears were well founded."

He adds: "We tour three productions a year, and now approach each tour with a strong outreach agenda to make our work accessible to new and old audiences alike.

"We are delighted to be revisiting regional theatres that have supported our work for a number of years, as well as adding a number of theatres and arts centres to our growing portfolio of touring partners."

Please note that this production of 1984 includes full frontal nudity and violent scenes.

George Orwell’s 1984, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, May 7, 7.30pm, £10-£12, call 02086889291 or visit Fairfield.co.uk.