Producer Bill Kenwright has taken on a classic this time that’s for sure. Since it first appeared on screen in 1994 and known for perhaps being one of the most popular movies of all time, it must be said that a transfer of ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ to the stage was a brave undertaking.
Based on the Stephen King novella, and adapted for stage by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is set behind the bars of a maximum-security prison. Directed by David Esbjornson, the play highlights the story of Andy Dufresne (Joe Absolom) who, despite expressing his innocence, is handed a double life sentence for two murders. The story depicts Andy’s friendship with Red (Ben Onwukwe) and shares the highs and many more lows of life inside the prison over a time span of 20 years.
Joe Absolom plays the part of ‘Andy’ and must be applauded for an air of confidence on stage from the off, both as an actor and through his role as Andy. With numerous accolades to his name including EastEnders and Doc Martin he has also had a very successful stage career and arguably it is the stage that perhaps suits him equally as much if not better then TV. He performed the role of Andy as an isolated yet very engaging character with an air of constant defiance and self-assurance at all that he was presented with in the prison.
The part of ‘Warden Stammas’ was played by Mark Heenehan who was possibly one of the standout characters on the stage. He demonstrated a consistent, chilling, calmness in his portrayal of ‘Warden Stammas’ with a harrowing presence whenever he took to the stage. With many theatre credits including musicals and also TV and film, he was the perfect ‘Warden Stammas’ and it was hard to take your eyes off him when on stage.
Ben Onwukwe takes on the part of ‘Red’ who is also the narrator. A strong, somewhat resilient character – Onwukwe ensured that his narration successfully framed the entire play. His emerging friendship with Andy was well executed and they interacted incredibly well together. Their friendship was central to the storyline and Onwukwe’s expressive narration ensured that the audience could watch this develop.
A special mention must also go to the fabulous Coulter Dittman who played the role of ‘Tommy Williams’. Hard to believe this was Dittmans stage debut- he was mesmerising to watch and commanded the stage as Tommy.
The lighting was appropriately dim throughout the entire performance and Chris Davy (Lighting Designer) must be congratulated. The lighting set the mood from the very beginning and provided the audience with an oppressive sense of what the maximum-security prison was like day to day.
At times it felt as though literally nothing more could fit on the stage in terms of themes from the story. The play covered a great deal and at times may have been appropriate to slow down in the story telling to allow some absorption of all the angles of the play. The distressing scene where there is a gang rape was hard to watch but perhaps felt more difficult as there was equally so much to take on in many other scenes that presented themselves with some force throughout.
The Shawshank Redemption is undoubtedly a success on stage. It has a depth to it in terms of characterisation of the lead roles that add a different dimension to the screen version. Shawshank Redemption is a gritty story with much light and shade in it, yet throughout, it manages to portray a story of love and friendship despite being constantly presented with injustice.
The Shawshank Redemption is on at The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent until Saturday 25th February. Tickets can be purchased via ATG tickets www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-shawshank-redemption or via the box office at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent.
Reviewer: Angela Kelly
Reviewed: 20th February 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★