BIG Brother is watching as a drama group takes on a classic novel in its latest production.

Maldon Drama Group will be performing George Orwell’s 1984.

With a script adapted by Matthew Dunster through Oberon Modern Plays, the play presents an unsettling image of a dystopian future ruled by fear and the ever present Big Brother, where individuality is banned and all thought is controlled.

Directed by Paul Warner the play features Paul Macklin as Winston and Heather Lucas as Julia.

Defying a ban on individuality, Winston dares to express his thoughts in a diary and pursues a relationship with Julia, it doesn’t end well.

The supporting cast has many familiar faces including Carey Brown, Scott Peters, Alfred Knightbridge, Simon Hirst, Chris Pond, Ghislaine Davis and Neil Davis plus newcomers to MDG, Alex Warner, Karen Smith and Meghan Pond.

The actors are having a lot of fun rising to the challenge of learning Newspeak and also getting to grips with the art of stage fighting.

The play will be serious but never dull, and in the current political climate it will also give us all pause for thought.

It will be shown at Maldon Town Hall on October 18, 19 and 20 from 7.45pm. Doors open at 7pm.

Tickets are available for £9 in stalls and £10 for balcony from Maldon Tourist Information Centre, Wenlock Way, Maldon.

They are also available by calling 01621 856503 or emailing tic@maldon.gov.uk. A small box office levy will be charged when booking.

For info on joining the group visit maldondrama.org.uk.