by George Orwell’s 1984 gave the world so many essential concepts that you want to forget all the memorable characters that bring those ideas to life. It’s a shame because it’s the characters that bring so much drama and tension to Orwell’s endless story – their hope and despair, their perseverance and desperation, their all-too-human frailties and self-delusion.
A new drama from Audible shows the kind of acting talent that can make characters stick in your memory. Starring Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, Andrew Scott and Tom Hardy, this film is a great example of Audible’s ability to put together great ensemble casts. From Hollywood A-listers to fast-rising talent, here’s a look at just some of the names that have come together to make one of the defining novels of our most important audio age.
Andrew Garfield as Winston Smith
Think of Andrew Garfield and Spiderman is the first thing that might come to mind. The Surrey-raised star first rose to fame in 2010’s The Social Network and recently showcased his many talents with his Golden Globe-winning portrayal of American composer and playwright Jonathan Larson in Tick, Tick … Boom !
As Winston Smith, the main character of 1984, Garfield brings his trademark nervous energy to the role, bringing out the humor in the book but also the great horror of Winston’s story. Garfield’s performance also shows some of the interesting contradictions that Orwell gives Winston, such as his guilt, his trashiness, his bile – and how these things conflict with his idealism and his belief in the sanctity of truth.
Cynthia Erivo as Julia
If you’re a fan of musicals, you’ll be no stranger to the talents of Grammy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Cynthia Erivo. Her theater credits include The Color Purple and Sister Act, and on film she starred in Harriet, an autobiographical film about abolitionist and social activist Harriet Tubman.
The Londoner will next be seen in the upcoming big screen adaptation of Wicked alongside Ariana Grande.
In 1984, the strong and passionate voice of Julia is the woman who takes Winston on a journey of rebellion. Erivo captures Julia’s wisdom and sense of realism, and she often disarms you with her knack for seeing and stating things so clearly. Her steady voice and presence are used to surreal effect during some of the story’s most dramatic moments – as if her words of wisdom and pleas for sanity are invading Winston’s own thoughts.
Andrew Scott as O’Brien
Thanks to his role in the second series of Fleabag, Andrew Scott will forever be known as the Hot Priest, after his break as Richard Moriaty in Sherlock. On the Hollywood circuit, the Irish star is receiving an award for his performance in All of Us Strangers. He is also known for his theater work, including the critically acclaimed Hamlet, an Olivier-winning performance in Nöel Coward’s Present Laughter, and, most recently, playing all the roles in Vanya, an adaptation of Uncle Vanya by Chekhov.
Due to Scott’s difficulty conveying moral ambiguity, O’Brien is a mysterious and seductive Party official in 1984. Although he is menacing in the Audible adaptation, Scott’s portrayal in the infamous 1984 torture scene is truly terrifying. The actor really lets rip, oscillating between sinister and borderline unhinged.
Tom Hardy as Big Brother
Whether he’s playing a post-apocalyptic anti-hero in Mad Max: Fury Road, or larger-than-life comic book characters in Venom and The Dark Knight Rises, or the romantic lead in This Means War, Tom Hardy demands attention in whatever role. it takes on. On the small screen he is playing gangster Alfie Solomons in Peaky Blinders.
As the voice of Big Brother in 1984, Hardy is commanding and soothing – he manages to bring a desperate bombshell to Big Brother’s public announcements.
Romesh Ranganathan as Tom Parsons
He may be known for his stand-up comedy, so there is a (correct) assumption that Ranganathan brings a touch of humor to the role of Parsons, Winston’s colleague.
When he’s not rocking out as the host of A League of Their Own and The Weakest Link, the comedian also finds the time to star in star-studded musicals. In 2021, the father-of-three played Romesh the Mouse in an all-singing version of Cinderella alongside Camila Cabero, Minnie Driver and Pierce Brosnan.
As Parsons, he delivers some of the novel’s most laugh-out-loud humor, but then brilliantly conveys the despair of a man who realizes the horror of the dystopia he’s dealing with.
Natasia Demetriou as Mrs. Parsons
We don’t often hear from Mrs. Parsons but Natasha Demetriou’s casting as the restless mother, haunted by her own children, is perfect.
Demetriou is best known for her role as a vampire on the FX comedy horror film What We Do in the Shadows, she also starred in Channel 4’s Stath Lets Flats. Recently, the comedian, actress and screenwriter gave her brand comedy special to the BBC in the Ellie & Natasha sketch show.
Orwell’s novel depicts the horror of a life where parents fear their own children, which Demetriou’s view of Mrs Parsons chillingly conveys.
Katie Leung as Ling
Harry Potter fans will recognize Leung as Cho Chang, who gives the wizard his first kiss in the film series. But the Scottish-born star was also the daughter of martial arts superstar Jackie Chan in The Alien.
On TV, her real-life pregnancy was worked into the second series of crime drama Annika, which premiered last year.
In 1984, she plays Ling, a woman who works in the ministry alongside Winston, and who continues her job despite her own husband’s disappearance.
Chukwudi Iwuji as Charrington
Nigerian-British actor Chukwudi Iwuji recently marked as a Marvel villain in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, playing the ultimate mad scientist The High Evolutionary.
The talented star is also an associate artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company and has two Olivier Awards to his name after taking on the title role of Henry VI in 2009.
He adds a unique twist of suspense and intelligence to the voice of the shopkeeper Charrington in this new adaptation of 1984.
Francesca Mills as Syme
If you’re a fan of Harlots, you’ll recognize Mills from her role as a sex worker in the TV series starring Samantha Morton and Lesley Manville.
She also starred as the assassin Meldof in the Netflix miniseries The Witcher: Blood Origin, not to mention Earthy Mangold in the BBC’s 2020 remake of the children’s classic Worzel Gummidge.
Mills is fantastic as Syme, an overzealous employee at the Ministry of Truth. His performance shows the character’s interesting combination of blind enthusiasm and keen caution.
Behind the desk…
This powerful new drama from 1984 is directed by Destiny Ekaragha (Ted Lasso, The End of the F***ing World) and written by playwright Joe White (Blackout Songs, The Little Big Things). The production also features a score composed by Matthew Bellamy, lead singer and guitarist for Muse, and composer Ilan Eshkeri, performed and recorded by a 60-piece orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.
Audible’s new drama of George Orwell’s classic novel stars Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, Andrew Scott and Tom Hardy, with an original score by Matthew Bellamy and Ilan Eshkeri. Listen now. Donation required. See audible.co.uk for terms.
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