Staying true to the 1994 film, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION translates well to the stage thanks to its talented cast ensemble and captivating storyline.
Few stories can claim to be as culturally significant as Stephen King’s THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. Originally written as a short novella, the gritty narrative of a man wrongfully imprisoned would go on to become one of the best-loved classics in movie history, receiving seven Academy Award nominations and gaining preservation in the National Film Registry in 2015. Now, the much-loved story has been given a new life on stage with a new UK tour produced by Bill Kenwright.
Based on the 1994 feature film starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a bank manager who is wrongly convicted of killing his wife and her lover. Incarcerated at the notorious Shawshank facility, he quickly learns that no one can survive alone and strikes up an unlikely friendship with the prison fixer Red. However, when Warden Stammas decides to bully Andy into subservience and exploits his talents for accountancy, a desperate plan is quietly hatched.
Staying true to the film’s original script, adaptors Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns have done an impressive job with this stage adaption of THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. Directing with a deft hand, David Esbjornson keeps the pacing tight while allowing the story to unfold naturally, quickly drawing the audience into the action to empathise with Dufresne and his hardened cellmates.
Gary McCann’s compelling set creates a sense of enclosure with its huge high walls, imposing gun terraces and stifling intimate cells, leaning on Chris Davey’s swift lighting and Andy Graham’s sound design to show the passing of time over 20 years.
Portrayed with depth and dignity, Ben Onwukwe steals the show as Red, the prison inmate who can secure anything, including French wine, Belgian chocolates and marijuana, for a price. Onwukwe brings a sense of warmth, mischief and sincerity to the role, and his chemistry with Joe Absolom is well-placed.
Absolom delivers an equally well-judged performance as Andy Dufresne, the quiet newcomer who quickly recognises the value of his financial skills.
Elsewhere, Mark Heenehan is corruption personified in his suit and tie as Warden Stammas, while Coulter Dittman is excellent as the hapless and illiterate Tommy whom Andy tries to help. A special mention must also go to Kenneth Jay, who delivers an endearing but tragic performance as Brooksie, the old man who cannot bear the prospect of parole.
Those familiar with the film will know that THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION isn’t for the faint-hearted. The play takes no prisoners with its regular bad language and themes of aggression, violence, and gang rape.
That said, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION remains a captivating prison drama in its theatrical format thanks to its talented cast ensemble and compelling storyline.
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION runs at The Lowry, Salford, until 5 November 2022
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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