The Shawshank Redemption At Wycombe Swan Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Lindsay Burton
Another theatre and another date for The Shawshank Redemption’s tour in the UK. Last night, I visited Wycombe Swan for the first time regardless of having seen this show only a few short months ago, and again, I was mesmerised.
The journey of ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ has been quite extraordinary. It started as a story by Stephen King, which later grew worldwide appreciation due to the 1994 film introducing Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. Dave Johns and Owen O’Neill later transformed it into a stage play, which experienced revisions in 2013. The show is now on tour in the UK again, having recently performed at the Wycombe Swan. And I was extremely excited about seeing Joe McFadden again!!
The story takes place in Shawshank Prison’s maximum-security wing, and develops over a period of about twenty years, starting in the 1950s. Red, a long-serving prisoner, also narrator of the story, aiding his fellow inmates. The story begins with Red introducing the audience to Andy Dufresne, a quiet, scholarly banker who was caught in a love triangle and found himself in prison when his wife and her lover turned up dead.
As Andy, Joe McFadden brings a depth of emotion to the role, expertly depicting the character’s loneliness and silent grit. At first, Andy is reserved, but as the story continues, he begins to have an impactful influence on all around him, extending them the greatest gift: that of hope. McFadden’s portrayal of Andy’s innocence is convincing, never forcing his opinion on others, allowing them to make up their own minds.
Ben Onwukwe gives an incredible performance as Red. Onwukwe’s performance brings power and tone to the role, making Red a character that the audience can truly invest in. I was impressed with both these cast choices – I can imagine they both studied the film intensely to perfect their own roles, but both have perfected their own interpretations and made the roles their own.
As Warden Stammas, Bill Ward presents an extraordinary performance. He expresses a stern, foreboding presence on stage and this truly embodies this character in all his obvious air of corruption. I’m sure he’s a lovely man in person but he portrays this character so well that once cannot help but dislike him and how he leaves those around him feeling weakened.
The other cast members also deserve mention: each prisoner brings a singular characteristic to the story, showing the collection of vastly different characters that may simultaneously find themselves in a place like this at the same time – men from all walks of life having to live a certain way that isn’t necessarily natural but due to their choices, are forced to have to face live inside maximum security prisons due to choices they made. Every single cast member brought this show together and contributes to its success.
This production is a tremendous success, drawing out powerful emotions and a lasting reaction. It’s without a doubt one of the most fascinating stage adaptations I’ve seen recently—from start to finish had me completely hooked, and it encourages consideration on the dilemma of innocent people imprisoned daily.
Again, 5 out of 5 for me and my husband – fantastic show and night out for us both. The Shawshank Redemption is currently on at Wycombe Swan until the 14th of March. Tickets start from £27.50 and can be purchased from https://trafalgartickets.com/wycombe-swan-theatre/en-GB
Bear in mind the age recommendation is a 14+. Under the age of 16 must attend with an adult.
Rating: 5/5
https://trafalgartickets.com/wycombe-swan-theatre/en-GB/event/play/the-shawshank-redemption-tickets