One Night Only
Produced by Stratford Productions

ORWELL - The Road to 1984

BY GUY SMITH
WITH ADDITIONAL MATERIAL BY MARK STRATFORD.

DIRECTED BY GUY SMITH.

8 November 2026

Overview

“I write because there is some lie I want to expose”

George Orwells classic tale Nineteen Eighty-Four which warns of the dangers of totalitarianism – erosion of free speech, abuse of power, increasing control of all aspects of our everyday lives – resonates now more than ever. But where did this vision come from? ORWELL – The Road to 1984 offers a gripping portrait of the man behind the masterpiece. A compelling evening of storytelling that illuminates the journey towards the writing of one of the most influential novels of the 20th century.

Following his sell-out One Night Only performances last year of Jekyll & Hyde and Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend, Mark Stratford returns to Jermyn Street Theatre with his latest solo show. In this powerful and moving play, Stratford takes you on a fascinating journey through the extraordinary experiences that shaped the work of this perceptive and compelling writer.

 

 

Suggested 12+


People

Mark Stratford
George Orwell
Mark’s theatre credits include Blood Brothers, Singin’ in the Rain, Peter Pan (West End), plus tours, rep’ seasons and pantos. Film: Parting Shots & That English Woman.

Guy Smith
Writer
Chloe Park
Sound Design
James Connor
Technical Assistance


Media

“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED …superbly-put-together one-man show”
FringeReview

 
“Stratford’s performance…is simply excellent”
Rialto Arts
rating starrating starrating starrating star
 
 

Tickets

8 November 2026

Sunday
2.30pm & 5pm

Running time: 80 minutes.

Tickets £22 (£20 conc.)
Concessions available to over-65s, theatre unions, or in receipt of Universal Credit and students.

Content Warnings
Description of a hanging and the death of an animal