Cynics might say that Big Brother is no stranger to Hackney Town Hall, but next month the Grade II-listed building will be transformed into the 'Ministry of Truth'.

During an immersive staging of 1984, audience members will be dressed in the blue overalls of an 'outer party member,' and experience the scrutiny of Big Brother and the Thought Police.

The unsettling multi-sensory show will immerse them in George Orwell's dystopian 'post truth' world, where everything they say is scrutinised, and their innermost thoughts are probed. They will visit Victory Square and the Ministry of Truth before enjoying a shot of Victory Gin or a Pint of Wallop in Prole Town.

The experience is produced with the approval of the Orwell Estate by production company Pure Expression.

Islington Gazette: George Orwell real name Eric Blair lived in Hampstead during the 1930s and published his dystopian classic 1984 in 1949. George Orwell real name Eric Blair lived in Hampstead during the 1930s and published his dystopian classic 1984 in 1949.

The company aims to transform spaces into immersive theatrical environments and is headed by Adam McKenzie Wylie, with director Sean Holmes and set designer Jon Bausor as associate creative directors.

Creator Adam Taub lives in Highgate and their first library takeover took place at Swiss Cottage.

Orwell's 1949 novel is set in a totalitarian superstate and follows party member Winston Smith, who is frustrated by the omnipresent eyes of ominous ruler Big Brother. Producers say the show's circular narrative is designed to contradict and disorientate audience members, and open their eyes to today's post-truth world.

"We expect the show to have both a strong visceral and intellectual impact on guests who may feel a sense of catharsis after their dystopian ordeal, but who will also be left more attuned to the dangers of 'newspeak', 'alternative facts’  and more conscious of the value of democracy itself."

Although Orwell's Ministry of Truth is said to be based on Senate House in Bloomsbury, the town hall in Mare Street was opened in 1937 and is a fitting setting for the show.

The main action of Immersive 1984 takes place in the panelled council chamber where elected borough representatives continue to agree on bin collections planning, and parking.

Cllr Chris Kennedy, Hackney's cabinet member for health, adult social care, voluntary sector and culture, said:"Hackney is one of the cultural centres of London and we are delighted to once again have the Town Hall play a prominent role in an exciting and entertaining addition to the borough's cultural offering.

"While the town hall is very much a working building, we have worked with the organisers to fit it around the busy schedule of council meetings and other events. Over the 20 plus days of the immersive experience we are expecting it to attract more than 7,500 people who will not only be thoroughly entertained, but will also be able to see all the town hall has to offer first hand."

Islington Gazette: The Town Hall was built in 1937 and is the perfect setting for Orwell's dystopian taleThe Town Hall was built in 1937 and is the perfect setting for Orwell's dystopian tale (Image: www.siobhandoran.com)

Orwell lived in Parliament Hill, Hampstead, in the mid 1930s and wrote Keep The Aspidistra Flying while working in a bookshop in South End Green. He spent the war years in Marylebone and St John's Wood while working for the BBC, including, broadcasting propaganda for The Ministry of Information where his wife Eileen worked in the censorship department.

George Orwell's Immersive 1984 runs from October 19 to November 26 at Hackney Town Hall.