The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption by Encore Performing Arts

Adapted for stage by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns based on the novella ‘Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption’ by Stephen King.

Many will know this story from the 1994 film staring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, so I was excited to see how this would transfer to the stage. I have to say, from the moment the play began, it was clear we were witnessing something truly special and judging by the reaction from the sell out audience around me, I certainly wasn’t the only one captivated.

Great theatre is that ability to take you on a journey that can face difficult themes and moments that connect the drama on the stage with our own imagination. This production did this perfectly, dealing with extremely sensitive themes with great direction and professionalism. Ensuring that the cast understood the piece, and the levels required through out the play. Of course, it helps if you have a fantastic cast and production team, who approach the piece with the maturity it requires.

So, to the cast Jason Kramer as Andy Dufresne was wonderfully portrayed, particularly as this is such a difficult part to deliver, one moment the victim, the mentor, the protagonist. A great performance throughout! Next for me was the outstanding performance of the night. I have had the privilege of watching Phil Stanley many times in very different roles, never anything like this. Wow, as Red not only did Phil keep everything moving with his clear narration but rooted us into the story keeping the audience captivated throughout. His portrayal of Red, gave an assurance that despite some very dark moments there was a glimmer of light, and integrity.

Jack Readyhoof as Rooster, Luke Grainger as Bogs and Richard Dawson as Pinky provided a suitably harrowing performance as the sisters reminding us all, of the reality of prison life. Brookes played by Steve Dunning reminds me again of the talent we have in the East Midlands, delivering a powerful performance particularly when Brookes can no longer be the bibliophile that he is. Ollie Turner also provided a strong performance as the God-fearing Rico and Daniel Bates as Dawkins added to the ensemble of inmates and the picture of prison life. 

Harvey Tavener as Tommy arrives later in the story and demonstrates the impact of youth on a situation, providing crucial information, this addition helps us to understand more about Andy and his desire to provide a better life for others. Sadly, it also shows the truth about Warden Stammas, Kheenan Jones’s depiction was perfect as he represents the warden as a man of integrity only to become the main villain of the piece, supported by his two guards Giacomo Ciccognani as Hadley and Martin Holtom as Entwistle.

Adam Guest’s direction assisted by Emma Kelvey was excellent and dealt with some very difficult themes, keeping the audience engaged throughout, a testament to both of their abilities.

Lucy Young Production Manager assisted by Daisy Donoghue have managed to turn a creative vision into a first-class production. Linking that vision also with the backstage and front house teams. Staging, Set, Costumes, Lighting and Sound were all of a high standard from Katie Bird and Lucy Young (Stage Managers) David Price and Jack Clark (Technical team), Amanda Warriner (Costumes) Props (Katie Bird).

The set design by (Jason Kramer, Emma Kelvey and Katie Bird) deserves a special mention. The set looked fantastic and was used effectively throughout the production, with different sections opening up to reveal Andy’s prison cell and the library. Alongside the lighting, this helped create some powerful moments on stage, cleverly allowing us to see Andy leaving the prison which was done brilliantly.

Thank you to Front of House Manager Sophie Slater-Evans, for their hospitality. I also enjoyed reading the programme designed by Matt Powell. I really liked the creative decision to design it in the style of a newspaper.

Encore Performing Arts always raise money for a local charity during their productions, and for this performance they partnered with Switchback, an award-winning charity that supports young men to find a way out of the justice system and to build a stable, rewarding life they can be proud of. Well done to Encore for continuing to support such important charitable causes alongside producing high-quality theatre productions.

There has clearly been a large amount of work and dedication put into this production, and it was rewarded with a fantastic evening of entertainment and an audience who showed their enjoyment by providing a standing ovation. Massive congratulations to everyone involved. I’m already looking forward to Encore’s next production of Next to Normal in September.

 

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