The Shawshank Redemption - Our review

December 6, 2016 by Claire Cosgrove

The Shawshank Redemption - Our review

Although I haven’t seen the film in years, the majority of us are familiar with the 1994 feature film starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman.  A classic of its time, nominated for 7 Academy Awards, I couldn’t wait to see how this new stage production would translate.

It was in safe hands. The Producer, Bill Kenwright, can be relied upon to deliver quality theatre, with 30 years of experience behind him. Based on the short novel by Stephen King, adapted by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns and directed by David Esbjornson, the play examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum security facility.

We are introduced to Andy Dufresne, played with astonishing brilliance by Paul Nicholls, protesting his innocence for the brutal murder of his wife and lover.  Incarcerated at the notorious Shawshank facility, he quickly learns that no one can survive alone. Andy strikes up an unlikely friendship with the prison fixer Red, played by the hugely talented Ben Onwukwe and together they maneuver through the pressures of prison life.

A study of human nature and friendship, Nicholls and Onwukwe’s performances are incredibly engaging. There is so much warmth in the character of ‘Red’.  His wisdom and sense of fairness, outwits his darker history and is played with real compassion. Dufresne, an intelligent man caught up in exceptional circumstances, is played with maturity and understated empathy.

The set is cleverly atmospheric; a grey, dingy prison vestibule with just a gentle, audible hum of prison life. The drip of a tap, the clank of a door, a distant moan…  There is always an underlying sense of tension and danger, particularly when the cruel and bullying Prison Warden, Stammas, played with a chilling intensity by Jack Ellis, is on the stage. 

You can totally immerse yourself in the twists and turns of the story. Although not an exact replica of the film, the ending does not disappoint.  A climatic twist that leaves everyone gratified.

The whole cast is terrific, I could easily sing the praises of each and every one of them. The performance and staging is brave, powerful and invigorating making it a must see production. A brilliant show, do not miss it!

The Palace Theatre, Southend-on-Sea

Mon 5th – Sat 10th Dec

Seats: Mon to Thu 8pm and matinees - £30.50, £28.50, £22.00

Fri and Sat 8pm - £32.00, £30.00, £24.00

Conc £2 off (exc Fri and Sat 8pm)

Under 16s - £19.00 (exc Fri and Sat 8pm)

Group discount: 10% off groups 10-19, 20% off groups of 20+ (exc. Fri and Sat 8pm)

Senior Citizen mid-week matinee special £25.50, £20.00 (exc.groups)

To book your tickets please click the link https://southendtheatres.org.uk/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=D523258A-3DED-43DE-9D4C-A67AF810ADCC

To read all of Claire's previous reviews please click the link https://www.leigh-on-sea.com/blog/tag/shows-and-music-review