h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have seen the definitive version of this powerful novel on the stage in Basingstoke, and am going to see it again at the end of the month in Winchester as I am studying Orwell's satirisation of Communism for my A2 English Lit. coursework. The Northern Stage Ensemble have devised a workshop to go with the production, called "A Pursuit of the Truth", where you are treated as applicants for citizenship of Oceania, and experience the control of Big Brother and the Party for yourself. The cast members play the Party officials. But the actual play is well-worth going to see, as it is a multi-media production that makes use of film and sound as well as the action on stage. But it is not for the faint-hearted. You have to really know the concepts the book explores in order to understand the play on a more profound level than just as a piece of entertaining theatre. Some scenes in the production are disturbing, as the cast have given the novel an Artaudian twist (The audience are both drawn in and repelled by the action). Drama students out there will know what I mean! But getting back to the play - if you are a serious fan of the book, it's a play you MUST go and see. I give it 10/10