Stage Review THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
Joe Absolom as Andy Dufresne and Ben Onwukwe as Red in The Shawshank Redemption at Derby Theatre this September and touring
Image - Twitter.com (2022) @BehindTheArras
A memory play: an adaptation, based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption, as was the feature film The Shawshank Redemption (1994).
The play opens with Red's narration in which he introduces himself, other prison inmates, and sets the scene of life inside 'Shawshank' (a maximum-security prison), in doing so he references everything in the past participle (he describes actions and events that have already happened) - the signature of a memory play.
It is however, Andy Dufresne’s story which dominates. Therefore, Red’s recollections of prison life soon gives way to the present tense upon the arrival of Dufresne. All the cruelties and alarming injustices bestowed upon Dufresne over the course of his incarceration unfold in this 2 hour 10 mins long stage play
It is a flawless script by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns and it is followed to the tee. It is also evident that the play’s direction mirrors much in-scene content of the famous film in terms of structure, movement and styling. Which will be viewed as a win by many.
It is a compelling work of fiction, and there are strong and disturbing themes, plus a huge, plot twist, so it is not an easy piece.
One can appreciate that Joe Absolom has to be acting subtly, overall, in the portrayal of the mild-natured, educated and intelligent, Dufresne, and it is no mean feat to obtain a certain believability in the scenes his character falls victim to horrendous injustice and abuse.
A talented cast, and all players reveal the traits of the good and bad of their characters, portraying institutionalised men, regretful men, or plain evil men; impressive performances all round. Recommended!
At Derby Theatre until 17 September 2022 with a number of tour dates following
Review by Theatre Critic, Debra Hall who attended Derby Theatre on Tuesday 13 September at 7.30pm
References
Bill Kenwright Ltd (2022) https://www.kenwright.com/
Derby Theatre (2022) https://www.derbytheatre.co.uk/shawshank-redemption-0
Image - Twitter.com (2022) @BehindTheArras https://twitter.com/BehindTheArras
The play opens with Red's narration in which he introduces himself, other prison inmates, and sets the scene of life inside 'Shawshank' (a maximum-security prison), in doing so he references everything in the past participle (he describes actions and events that have already happened) - the signature of a memory play.
It is however, Andy Dufresne’s story which dominates. Therefore, Red’s recollections of prison life soon gives way to the present tense upon the arrival of Dufresne. All the cruelties and alarming injustices bestowed upon Dufresne over the course of his incarceration unfold in this 2 hour 10 mins long stage play
It is a flawless script by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns and it is followed to the tee. It is also evident that the play’s direction mirrors much in-scene content of the famous film in terms of structure, movement and styling. Which will be viewed as a win by many.
It is a compelling work of fiction, and there are strong and disturbing themes, plus a huge, plot twist, so it is not an easy piece.
One can appreciate that Joe Absolom has to be acting subtly, overall, in the portrayal of the mild-natured, educated and intelligent, Dufresne, and it is no mean feat to obtain a certain believability in the scenes his character falls victim to horrendous injustice and abuse.
A talented cast, and all players reveal the traits of the good and bad of their characters, portraying institutionalised men, regretful men, or plain evil men; impressive performances all round. Recommended!
At Derby Theatre until 17 September 2022 with a number of tour dates following
**ENDS**
Review by Theatre Critic, Debra Hall who attended Derby Theatre on Tuesday 13 September at 7.30pm
References
Bill Kenwright Ltd (2022) https://www.kenwright.com/
Derby Theatre (2022) https://www.derbytheatre.co.uk/shawshank-redemption-0
Image - Twitter.com (2022) @BehindTheArras https://twitter.com/BehindTheArras
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