[Ad-gifted] The Shawshank Redemption adaptation by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns has been in place since 2009. Originally having been an idea discussed by the two backstage at Gielgud Theatre in 2004, they finally did it and it has been touring ever since.
Since then, it has had several rewrites and is currently on its second tour in the UK. Many of you may have seen the award-winning film of the Stephen King novel that was made in 1994 and starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, but if you haven’t then this do catch this show which runs at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent until 25 February 2023.
What did I think of The Shawshank Redemption
The show is filled with incredible acting but I felt the play missed some of the grit compared to its on-screen counterpart. Many of the moments that made for uncomfortable viewing in the film lacked lustre on the stage which was a shame as they would have added some much-needed depth. It was as though many of the shocking moments had been removed or dumbed down, which unfortunately didn’t benefit the performance.
I enjoyed the evening and each act went at some pace, so there was no time to be bored. The production was simple yet effective and the movement of set scenes was fluid and worked well. The whole performance took place in what appeared to be the main courtyard of the prison and the odd wall was placed in the centre of the stage to introduce the rooms like the library, Warden Stammas’ office and some of the individual cells.
Stand-out performer of the evening for me was that of Coulter Dittman as Tommy Williams (who appears in the second act), he managed to portray his character with such feeling that you really felt his emotions and plight of being in “the Shank”. Equally that of Red played by the outstanding Ben Onwukwe was truly memorable. His voice carried so well on stage and his Southern American drawl had us captivated. He often took the role of narrator, filling in aspects of the back story that made the play easier to understand and gave you knowledge of why some of the prisoners behaved as they did.
Joe Absolom was great to see, as he (along with Onwukwe) is a recognisable face, having been scattered across our TVs over the years. Although his character was well performed – whether it was down to the lighting – Joe (who played Andy Dufresne) never looked out into the audience and this made it hard at times to connect with his character as I couldn’t quite see his face.
All in all, this is a solid adaptation and an enjoyable watch at Regent Theatre, but note that due to is missing or dumbing down of crucial awkward moments it is just missing some of the emotion created in the iconic film. As a bonus, you will be blessed with some great acting and fabulous set design. The adaptation by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns – directed by Davids Esbjornson of Stephen King’s short Novel (Rita Hayworth & The Shawshank Redemption), can be seen until this Saturday at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent. Find out how to get your tickets below.
Cast
Ben Onwukwe as Ellis “Red” Redding
Joe Absolom as Andy Dufresne
Mark Heenehan as Stammas
Kenneth Jay as Brooksie
Coulter Dittman as Tommy Williams
Joe Reisig as Bryan Hadley
Owen Oldroyd as Entwistle
Jay Marsh as Bogs Diamond
Jules Brown as Rico
Leigh Jones as Rooster
Kieran Garland as Dawkins
Samarge Hamilton as Kelly
Creatives
David Esbjornson – Director
Bill Kenwright – Producer
Tim Welton – Associate Director
Gary McCann – Designer
Chris Davey – Lighting Designer
Andy Graham – Sound Designer
Alison De Burgh – Fight Director
Simon Bannister – Company Stage Manager
Lucie Jackson – Deputy Stage Manager
Sam Scott – Tech Ass. Stage Manager
Matt Chaloner – LX No.1
Johnny Palmer – Costume Supervisor
Nadine Conell – Head of Wardrobe
How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced from £13 to £59.50.
How do I book tickets to watch The Shawshank Redemption ?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7615 or by visiting ATG’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The estimated running time is 2 hours and 7 minutes (including intervals). The show will be opening on Monday, 20 February will run until Saturday, 25 February 2023. The shows will be at 7.30pm with matinee shows on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Do visit their website for more details.
Where is Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?
Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649
About Regent Theatre
The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.
Tips / Information
• Masks and Covid passes are not mandatory in the Theatre at the moment
• Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park is the closest and it closes at 11.30pm while the Pottery Centre carpark charges a fixed rate of £1.50 (after 6pm) and this carpark closes at 12am (midnight)
• Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
• There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
• There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
• Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
• Accessible toilets are available
Review by: Lex Ward
You may also want to read this:
Award-Winning Musical THE BODYGUARD is heading to The Regent Theatre
Review: We Will Rock You The Musical at The Regent Theatre
Review: The Woman in Black at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent
Photo Credit: Regent Theatre/Jack Merriman
26 comments
I love reading your theatre reviews, I have not been to the theatre in a very long time, but this is one play I would love to see
Thank you for your kind words, hope you do get the chance
That is so so cool! I would love to watch this one, Shawshank redemption’s story is awesome! I bet the play is great.
I did enjoy it as a whole, worth checking the show
What a blast to visit your local theater! I watched the movie several times and love it. But a theatrical experience has its own charm.
I agree, it is a different feel when you watch it in the theatre, especially if you enjoyed the film
This is a fabulous review, and the photos you captured are really excellent. I didn’t know you could see Shawshank on stage, I bet it is so powerful in that format!
Thank you, the photos were sent to us and yes you can see it live
I love theatre plays and this looks really good. Hope you enjoyed.
Yes we had a lovely evening out, thank you
Thanks for the review. Shawshank is such a great movie and I would love to see it in the theaters too.
Hope you do get the chance to see it being performed live
I loved the movie so I would love to see this live. What a fun idea for the family, I have never heard that this was out there and now I need to find a way to see it.
Do check their tour schedule as I am sure they will continue their tour in the UK
Yet another great live show. I wish I lived closer to the regent..it seems they pick wonderful productions. Shawshank Redemption is a great film!
Yes the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue and they do host some great shows there
I know someone else that went to see this and they also said that it was well made but some of the grit of the film was left out. Glad you enjoyed it, I’ve not been to the theatre since before covid, this has got me intrigued!
The theatre is very safe now so it is worth heading there to watch a show and support them as well
I didn’t know they did this live, this would be neat to go so in person. I will have to look more into what we have playing near us, thanks for sharing this.
Yes they tour around UK as well, so worth checking them out
I’ve not read the book but loved the film. shame parts of it was toned down and this is such a moving film and I would love to see a performance of it.
Hope you do get the chance
It is a shame that you felt the play was lacking compaired to the movie. It still sounds like a great performance though.
I had a lovely evening and still enjoyed the performance nevertheless
We really enjoyed this performance, you still get the mix of emotions in key parts. Brought a tear to my eye a few times as well as some humour. The acting was great. A must see .
Yes a must see indeed, glad you enjoyed the show as well