Audible today launches its new audio thriller based on George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece 1984, featuring an all-star cast.
Transporting listeners into the dystopian world of 1984, Matthew Bellamy, Muse’s songwriter, guitarist and frontman, and award-winning composer Ilan Eshkeri have created an original score performed by London Metropolitan Orchestra at Abbey Road studios. The production is underpinned by a visceral, haunting soundscape, and mixed in Dolby Atmos.
Matthew Bellamy and Ilan Eshkeri, co-creators of 1984’s soundtrack jointly shared: “The music we created is more than a soundtrack; it’s a haunting echo of a future that Orwell warned us about and a reflection of our current societal trajectories. It stands as a poignant, musical testament to the enduring power of art to mirror, and challenge, the world we live in.”
Oscar nominated, and Golden Globe and Tony award winning actor, Andrew Garfield leads the adaptation as Winston alongside Grammy, Emmy and Tony award winning, Oscar nominated actor Cynthia Erivo as Julia.
BAFTA and Olivier award winning Andrew Scott plays the alluring, mysterious and dangerous O’Brien, while Oscar nominated actor Tom Hardy voices the infamous Big Brother.
The cast also features Romesh Ranganathan as Parsons, Natasia Demetriou as Mrs Parsons, Chukwudi Iwuji as Charrington, Francesca Mills as Syme, Katie Leung as Ling, Alex Lawther as Ampleforth alongside a full ensemble.
Andrew Garfield, playing Winston in Audible’s 1984 said: “I’m very grateful to Audible to be a part of this new incarnation of Orwell’s radical, political classic, 1984. A classic that, disappointingly, humanity seems to need to be constantly engaged with. To keep ourselves awake and remembering that we each have a soul. And that that soul is full of beauty and value. And how vital it is for each of us to resist the forces that wish to subdue and strangle that collective soul. The cast and crew is clearly the best of the best of British and Irish talent. It was truly a joy to tell this story for an audience hungry for their own liberation.”
Cynthia Erivo, playing Julia said: “It has been a truly wonderful experience getting the chance to share my interpretation of the incomparable Julia. Her wit, grit and determination, her passion for life and her want to LIVE has been a delight to play, this adaptation has allowed all of the beautiful qualities she has, to shine bright and it has been a pleasure to have been able to work with such wonderful artists. I think we have created something quite special together.”
Directed by BAFTA award winning Destiny Ekaragha, this Audible Original adaptation, penned by Olivier Award nominated writer Joe White stays faithful to the original text, leaning into the horror of the dystopian setting, whilst going deeper into Winston and Julia’s love story. In a world where love and sex are forbidden, Winston and Julia are the last lovers on earth.
The adaptation has been officially authorised and endorsed by the Orwell Estate with Richard Blair, George Orwell’s son, calling it “sensational” with a “brilliant cast”.
George Orwell’s 1984, an Audible Original, releases globally today, exactly 40 years after the date of Winston’s first diary entry.
