Critics gushing with praise as 1984 dances to different tune

Choreographed by Jonathan Watkins and performed by dancers from Northern Ballet, the production had its world premiere at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds.

Orwell’s novel, which envisioned a world where every aspect of life is controlled by the Thought Police and where those who step out of line are forced to confront their worst fears in Room 101, was critically acclaimed on publication and reviewers have also heaped praise on the dance adaptation.

“Jonathan Watkins has created a piece which is clever, consistent and powerful,” wrote Mark Brown in the Daily Telegraph. “It is a brave new ballet.”

It was a view echoed by Roger Foss. Writing in The Stage, he said: “This is gripping storytelling – the ballet equivalent of a page turner.”

Watkins last year brought Kes to the stage and his version of 1984 runs in Leeds until September 12 before going on tour to various venues until spring next year.