The Shawshank Redemption at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

The Shawshank Redemption
Milton Keynes Theatre

17-21 November 2015

www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Reviewed by Hilary Whates

Directed by David Esbjornson. Adapted by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns from the short novel by Stephen King

A packed theatre gathered in much anticipation to see this stage adaptation of a much loved ‘cult’ film which stars Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. How would this version match-up? How could it?

The leading protagonists Andy Dufresne – played by Ian Kelsey (Doctors; Casualty and Emmerdale) and Red – portrayed by Patrick Robinson (War Horse; Casualty; The Bill; Strictly Come Dancing), were certainly well cast and I felt that Patrick Robinson did a really fine job in what is an iconic cinematic role. The clever set, lighting and scene changes – some seemingly in slow motion, built the mood, but there was never the same feeling of raw emotion, tension, fear, despair and sorrow that comes over in the film. There was plenty of emotion but maybe broken up a little more because of the many scene changes and just that there isn’t as much time to hold onto the moment before another begins.

Inevitably it is not possible in a play to cover all the ground that exists in the film and some elements did therefore feel glossed over despite their importance. Much was made of the library for example but not of the ultimate fate of Warden Stammas at the hands of a very clever Dufresne. There were a number of references and nuances included which I felt would not make sense or even be noticed unless you had seen the film. Possibly not an issue as most people probably had! The death of Brooksie (very convincingly portrayed by Ian Barritt) for example, should have felt a more significant and emotional moment than it was.

Regardless of all that however I thought it was a great evening at the theatre. The first half told us the story about the hapless banker Andy Dufresne who stayed aloof for many months pondering his lot as a 2 lifetime sentence prisoner for a crime he didn’t commit. His friendship with Red – the go to person for all things in the prison, and someone who seemed destined never to achieve parole – felt real throughout the play and is one of its great strengths.

Be warned that some of the scenes are quite harrowing in terms of thinking about prison life for anyone and the overall darkness of the set emphasised these moments to great effect. 

Whether you are familiar with the film or not I certainly would make an effort not to miss this play. Every member of the cast does a superb job with great performances. As a tale about retaining hope in what appears to be the most hopeless of situations it is truly a classic and I would definitely recommend you go to see it.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £12.90 to £37.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

The Shawshank Redemption is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 21 November 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8717652.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ