Theatre Review: The Shawshank Redemption

AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2022 Touring Production of The Shawshank Redemption at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham*

Based on a novella by Stephen King, the 1994 movie starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman is regularly voted one of the best films of all time. But how will it translate to stage? Thankfully. The Shawshank Redemption remains a captivating masterpiece as a theatrical adaptation.

Incarcerated for the double murder of his wife and her lover, Andy Dufresne (Joe Absolom) maintains that he is innocent. He uses his business brain to strike bargains to try and make life inside Shawshank a little better. His life is far from comfortable though, having drawn unwanted attention from brutal prisoners The Sisters (played on this occasion by a menacing Leigh Jones as Bogs Diamond and Samarge Hamilton as Rooster).

He hatches a desperate plan to escape the notorious maximum-security prison, with a little help from Ellis “Red” Redding (Ben Onwukwe). Red is a fixer, a “man who knows how to get things” from the outside world. All Dufresne wants is a poster of Rita Hayworth. Oh, and a rock hammer. For his rock-collecting hobby.

Produced by Bill Kenwright and directed by David Esbjornson, this touring production gives the audience a tale of friendship and hope, despite the brutal setting. There is explicit language throughout, as well as depictions of sexual assault and violence – not exactly a family night out at the theatre. God-fearing Rico, played by Jules Brown, provides a smattering of light-hearted moments through the heavy dialogue.

The staging by Gary McCann and lighting by Chris Davey transports us to the gritty reality of prison. The sounds of doors slamming and the clink of keys. Inmates, naked, their modesty protected only by the prison uniforms they clutch to their bodies. The set invokes an uneasy feeling of claustrophobia. The colours are limited to fifty shades of grey. Minimalistic scene changes create a cell, the governor’s office, and even the prison library. Songs played on the radio are the only indicator of the passing years.

The all-male cast are outstanding, with each actor capturing our attention with their strong stage presence. Owunkwe was riveting, perfectly capturing the tone and mannerisms of the character immortalised on screen by the almost inimitable Morgan Freeman. His final monologue is dynamite. Joe Absolom has come a long way since playing Matthew Rose in Eastenders – another character wrongly imprisoned for murder. He brings Dufresne to life, from cautious and cagey to a clever and resilient member of the inmate community, respected by both fellow prisoners, officers and the warden alike. All the time though, he is one step ahead.

A special mention goes to Kenneth Jay as Brooksie, a long-time prisoner so inured to the prison system that he can’t bear the thought of parole and freedom. Jay’s portrayal of this tragic figure moves the audience to tears; you can barely hear a pin drop as he expresses his fears of living outside an institution. Particularly the thought of never been able to hold a library card, or be amongst his beloved books.

Even in these grim surroundings, there is bonding and community. It’s the friendship between Dufresne and Red which ultimately leads to their salvation. The Shawkshank Redemption is a compelling and powerful story, beautifully portrayed on stage.

The Shawshank Redemption is at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 12th November 2022. Purchase your tickets here. 2023 tour dates continue until April 2023.