2084 at Manchester Central Library

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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2084

5-14 February 2019

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

2084 at Manchester Central Library
Rosanna Mallinson
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Inspired by George Orwell’s dystopian literary masterpiece, 2084 is an exciting new performance set to take over Manchester Central Library this February. When it was first published in 1949, Orwell’s 1984 shocked readers with its vision of the future. This new production by Pure Expression Theatre Company revisits Orwell’s startling vision and explores the fragility of our freedom in the modern world.

2084 threatens to take its audience into the belly of a totalitarian state that monitors every act, word and thought of its citizens. Striking a haunting resonance with a contemporary audience – in the era of Facebook, Google and Amazon, when everyone is tracked, analysed and influenced – George Orwell’s powerful vision has never felt closer to realisation.

Set at some point in the future where the state claims to be the only guarantor of order, but order only comes at the price of absolute obedience – 2084 tells the story of two people who defy the regime and find that their intimate secrets are turned against them with shattering consequences.

Billed as an immersive experience, 2084 places the audience at the heart of the narrative. Each spectator must decide what price they would pay to defy a regime that seeks to control them. Starring Aamira Challenger (Romeo & Juliet, Ostalgie), Robin Hellier (The Lehman Trilogy, The Hunted) and Simon Gleave (Bleak House, Metamorphosis), 2084 is directed by Rosanna Mallinson (Silhouette in the Smoke, Dead Quiet).

The production is presented by Pure Expression Theatre Company, a London-based theatre company that seeks to adapt and present classic stories in unique locations. Following the sell-out success of Pure Expression’s Frankenstein last year, we’re excited that 2084 will receive its premiere at Manchester Central Library. Don’t leave it too late to get tickets.

Where to go near 2084 at Manchester Central Library

St Peters Square Manchester
City Centre
St Peter’s Square

St Peter’s Square is a public space in Manchester – home to the city’s iconic library, town hall, Pankhurst statue, art gallery and famous Midland Hotel.

Manchester Art Gallery. Photo by Andrew Brooks
City Centre
Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery

The Charles Barry-designed, Grade I-listed Manchester Art Gallery is one of the city’s leading galleries and is back open for visitors once more.

Manchester
Restaurant
Ban Di Bul

Ban Di Bul is a longstanding Korean restaurant in the very centre of Manchester.

Chinatown
Hotel
The Alan

This high-end city-centre restaurant has an excellent afternoon tea option that more than matches up to the superb main menu.

Salut Wines
Chinatown
Bar or Pub
Salut Wines

Salut wines pride themselves in offering “wider horizons beyond the safe choices.” With 42 wines by the glass and a regularly changing selection of bottles in their Enomatic wine preservation machines (or  “wine jukebox,” as they’re colloquially known), this is one of be best bars in Manchester for exploring new vintages.

Manchester
Restaurant
Friska

Latest branch of Friska, the independent healthy fast food chain.

Manchester
Restaurant
Don Giovanni

Traditional Italian restaurant, serving everything from pizza to steak. All this in a large modern venue with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Chinatown
Restaurant
Manchester Art Gallery Cafe

Summery bakes, seasonal salads and fresh light meals at Manchester Art Gallery’s in-house café, courtesy of highly-regarded Head Chef Matthew Taylor.

City Centre
Tourist Attraction
Manchester Town Hall

Re-opening in 2024, Manchester Town Hall is a monument to Victorian Manchester’s ambition, and one of the city’s most-loved landmarks.

City Centre
Tourist Attraction
Albert Square

A public square in the heart of Manchester which plays hosts to festivals and major events. Home to the Albert Memorial and statues of Bishop James Fraser, John Bright, Oliver Heywood and William Ewart Gladstone.

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