A new touring production of The Shawshank Redemption received a standing ovation at Poole Lighthouse last night, where it runs until Saturday 31 January.
Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns adapted Stephen King’s 1982 novella for the stage in 2009, reimagining the story entirely within the confines of Shawshank Prison.
The characters tell us the story of their old lives outside the walls through monologues and conversations.
The play focuses on themes of hope, friendship, corruption, resilience and survival.
The cast execute well-choreographed set changes that keep the show moving quickly.
Joe McFadden plays Andy Dufresne with a nervous and occasionally explosive energy. McFadden has appeared in Holby City and Heartbeat, and won Strictly Come Dancing in 2017.
Veteran Royal Shakespeare Company actor Ben Onwukwe reprises his role of Red, narrating the tale comfortably as an old lifer might.
There was a more lighthearted tone than the movie, moments of humour puncture the dark subject matter, without shying away from some of the more upsetting scenes.
The production draws as much from the novella as from the 1994 Frank Darabont film adaptation, which recieved seven Academy Award nominations.
The film has remained the highest rated movie on IMDb for over a decade.
To buy tickets visit: https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/shawshank-redemption/
To see more of BUzz’s entertainment coverage visit: https://buzz.bournemouth.ac.uk/category/entertainment/
AUB graduate wins Purbeck Film Festival short film competition