The Almeida’s new staging of Hamlet is set in contemporary Denmark. The set is flanked with TV screens and looping news broadcasts, the spectre of media saturation possibly suggesting an overlap between Shakespeare’s cloistered, paranoiac courts and modern society, where we too submit to the relentless scrutiny of strangers. Despite the flashy revamp, however, Robert Icke’s production feels relatively conservative, dutifully adapting the source material and making few cuts to the text.

The Red Barn based on the novel, La Main, by Georges Simenon shows a man unraveling from his life. The play begins with a cinematic opening, a fierce snow blizzard in the suburbs of Connecticut. Two couples are returning home from a party and get caught in what will be a tragic storm. The production is beautiful, designer Bunny Christie and Director Robert Icke have achieved something masterful here. Mark Strong as Donald Dodd is fantastic. A somewhat meek man, whose actions are often preempted by his wife, Ingrid Dodd, played with brilliant reserve by Hope Davis.

Arguably one of the most definitive books of the 20th century, the Orwellian classic has gripped readers with its forward thinking ideas. Adapted for the stage by Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan in 2013, the classic receives a 21st century makeover as themes such as surveillance, truth and love take centre stage. Courtesy of Oberon Books, you have the chance to win your very own copy.

For your chance to win a copy of 1984, answer the following question:

Who is the main character in 1984?

A) Mr Charrington

B) Parsons

C) Winston Smith

Competition closes on Friday 2nd January. Send your name, email address and answer to theatrefullstop@gmail.com. Good luck!

25 years ago, a loveable yet unconventional family took to our screens. Disbanding the typical framework of the prim and proper Walton-esque family, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson threw caution to the wind, becoming the much needed breath of fresh air that would go on to define a genre. Making its debut on the Tracy Ullman Show, The irreverent cartoon has captured the imaginations of millions, defining and entertaining a generation with its unashamed humour, popular culture references and the hundreds of vibrant characters that adorn the neighbourhood of Springfield.

Following a highly successful run first at the Nottingham Playhouse then at London’s Almeida theatre, Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan’s Nineteen Eighty-Four transfers to the West End’s London Playhouse Theatre, in collaboration with Headlong.