It’s a widely held belief that ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is one of the greatest, if not the greatest film of all time. And of course, the film was borne out of the brilliant Stephen King’s novella, ‘Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption’. So, when I was given tickets for a theatre adaptation for my birthday I was both intrigued and excited.
Andy Dufresne’s story is well known. Wrongly imprisoned in one of America’s worst jails for the double murder of his wife and her lover, he gradually adapts to life inside, gaining friends and respect along the way. And while he’s there he fights the bullying and injustice that he finds, using kindness and common sense wherever possible and all the while slowly forming a plan to escape.
Given the performances of Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in the lead roles in the film, the actors here on stage are firmly in focus and obviously have a tough act to follow. However, Dufresne is portrayed brilliantly by Scottish actor Joe McFadden who captures Andy’s steely determination really well. And Ben Onwukwe is superb as Red, carrying the whole thing along with the narration that involves us, the audience, while tempering the sometimes traumatic events with a subtle humour.
Alongside McFadden and Onwukwe, Bill Ward is superbly menacing as the corrupt Warden Stammas while Sean Kingsley and Ashley D Gayle are excellent as bad guys The Sisters, both determined to make Andy’s life in jail even more of a hell. A special mention too for Kenneth Jay who at times steals the show as Brooksie, the library man.
The staging here is excellent relying on a basic portrayal of the inside of the jail and with subtle transitions and lighting changes bringing us to Andy’s cell, the Warden’s office or even the library that Andy has such a part in building up in his mission to get the prisoners an education.
Director David Esbjornson’s stage version manages to retain the sheer drama of the film, albeit in a much subtler form. And you can’t help but be dragged into Andy and Red’s world of simple humanity amongst the treachery that they are often subjected to within the prison system.
I was thoroughly engaged throughout this performance. Not difficult with such a brilliant story you might think, but it was very much the performances in front of me that made the whole thing so enjoyable. You’ll laugh at the dark humour and then within minutes find yourself raging at the injustice of Andy’s world. But of course, you’ll be smiling by the end. And what an ending! I’d wondered how this would be portrayed on stage and all I can say is that the subtlety and simplicity is where the beauty lies here.
‘Shawshank’ made for a fantastic afternoon’s entertainment and I’d thoroughly endorse a look if and when the play heads your way.
I give ‘The Shawshank Redemption’
Middle Age Fanclub 