Orwellian tale let down by lack of depth

A semi-fictionalised account of George Orwell's attempt to write 1984, it sees the author holed up on the Hebridean island of Jura.

While battling personal and creative demons, he embarks on a hapless seduction of future wife Sonia Bronwell, Horizon magazine's editorial assistant, before being interrupted by the arrival of his lecherous friend Cyril Connolly and a cast of characters from Animal Farm.

It's an interesting premise that's let down by stilted dialogue, which puts witty epigrams above plot development.

Likewise the symbolic depiction of the working class, Stalinism and self-interest by Boxer, Pig and Napoleon respectively, all played by Paul Kemp, is strangely unsatisfactory due to them each saying their set piece rather than entering into a debate with Orwell (Hugo Speer).

There are some clever touches to the play, such as when Stalin descends from the black sky on a sickle, and Nicholas Blane is well cast as Connolly, playing him like a cross between Toad of Toad Hall and Withnail and I's Uncle Monty, but, ultimately, the play suffers from a lack of drama and emotional depth.

Plays until April 5. Box office: (0113) 213-7700.

SUSAN DARLINGTON