1984

By George Orwell | Adapted for the stage by Nick Hern

28–31 October 2026 | All Saints' Church, Sutton Courtenay

For four nights, Oceania came to life.

In October 2026, Abingdon Drama Club took audiences into the unsettling world of George Orwell's 1984, transforming All Saints' Church in Sutton Courtenay into the oppressive state of Oceania.

Marking our first production away from the Unicorn Theatre, this ambitious, immersive experience was staged in a particularly poignant location — the church where Orwell himself is laid to rest.

From the moment audiences arrived, they became part of the world of 1984. Greeted by uniformed Party officials, subjected to security checks and watched by the ever-present eye of Big Brother, they were drawn into a chilling story of surveillance, control and the struggle for individual freedom.

With powerful performances, striking lighting, an original soundscape and innovative use of multimedia, the production brought together the talents and creativity of our entire company.

Playing to four sold-out audiences, 1984 received an extraordinary response, with audience members praising everything from the immersive atmosphere and technical achievements to the emotional intensity of the performances.

As we look back on this very special production, we're incredibly proud of everyone who helped bring it to life, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Explore our gallery below for a glimpse inside Oceania.

Big Brother was watching. Were you?