The Shawshank Redemption is a story that requires the audience to really feel every speck of emotion and their motivations.
I’m not putting it lightly when I say that this production at Richmond Theatre could not have done this any better.
The story follows Andy Dufresne who is handed a double life sentence for the brutal murder of his wife and her lover, but he protests his innocence.
He is incarcerated at the notorious Shawshank facility and quickly learns that no one can survive alone.
Andy strikes up an unlikely friendship with the prison fixer Red, and things take a slight turn for the better.
However, when Warden Stammas decides to bully Andy into subservience and exploit his talents for accountancy, a desperate plan is quietly hatched.
My partner, who has never seen 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, was eager to find out the plot and began speculating how the story would progress in the interval.
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So, I do believe this show would be as worthwhile for someone who is already familiar with Shawshank as it is to someone who is not as the story is told in full without assumption of previous knowledge.
The use of the set was brilliant – complete with atmospheric lighting and little touches of background noise that makes you feel that you are right there with the characters.
I’m not afraid to admit that I cried a little at the end – the complete juxtaposition of the set to symbolise newfound freedom is just an extraordinary sight.
It manages to effectively portray all the themes that The Shawshank Redemption is best known for - injustice, friendship and most importantly, hope.
It felt authentic, impactful and well-delivered throughout.
One thing that I may criticize slightly is the actors use of stage combat felt a little off at times, although I was still holding my breath every time Andy faced the wrath of his prison mates.
The show was adapted by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns and features Joe Absolom as the role of the wrongly convicted Andy Dufresne with Ben Onwukwe as his inmate Ellis “Red” Redding.
Ben Onwukwe did an excellent job as Red with his smooth persona and voice leading you through the tale.
Other actors that stood out to me included Kenneth Jay who played the lovable librarian Brooksie and Mark Heenehan as the twisted Warden Stammas.
Not to mention that Richmond Theatre is such a beautiful venue with decent space in the seats and the staff were very accommodating and quick on the bars.
The show runs from January 30 until February 4 at Richmond Theatre - 1 Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QH.
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