Review: THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, The Lowry - Tour

The Shawshank Redemption follows the story of Andy Dufresne, who finds himself wrongly convicted of the murder of his wife and her lover. He is incarcerated with a double life sentence and placed into the Shawshank Maximum Security Penitentiary. During his time in prison, he strikes up an unlikely friendship with popular inmate Ellis ‘Red’ Redding. As the story unfolds, we are made aware of how an individual will do anything to survive the harsh reality of imprisonment.

It is worth noting that there are some differences between the film and the play, and the development of certain characters differs slightly. Sometimes, the development of key characters is slow and this feels like a missed opportunity on allowing audience to emphasise with the characters and develop an in-depth understanding of how imprisonment impacted on the inmates emotionally. However, the play’s adaptation works well and overall, the audience are given a good insight into how the inmates of Shawshank were subject to unjust and corrupt conditions.

There are a few standout performances that are worth mentioning. It is apparent that Ben Onwukwe has studied his character Ellis ‘Red’ Redding, portrayed by Morgan Freeman in the movie, well. He imitates Freeman’s mannerisms effectively and makes his character likeable from the outset. As per the film, Red narrates the story and Onwukwe transitions from the role of the narrator into his character effortlessly. Even though the audience are made aware of the heinous crime that landed Red in prison, it is difficult to not want to root for his lovable character as we are given insight throughout the story of his struggle to be granted parole.

Joe Absolom, who plays Andy Dufresne, is solid throughout his performance. Due to the nature of Dufresne’s personality, as the audience are told he is silent throughout his first year imprisoned, it is initially difficult to emphasise with his character. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that Dufresne’s character has more depth than meets the eye as he has been silently plotting away. As time goes on, the audience sees a more complex character emerge and Absolom demonstrates this exquisitely.

During his time in prison, Dufresne faces hardship and is subject to abuse and violence. During this abuse and violence, we are introduced to characters known as ‘The Sisters’ who are portrayed by Jay Marsh and Leigh Jones. Although Marsh and Jones play their characters well and give the audience an insight of the harsh reality of the way that many inmates were treated, the violent and grim scenes are a little lacklustre and could be more intense in order to fully grip the audience.

Although there are many scenes that are gritty and can be difficult to watch, there are many good natured jokes throughout which lightens the mood of the story. The additional cast members gel well together and give the sense of togetherness, which contributes to the overall theme of hope and persistence.

The stage design is simple but effective in moving the story along. The focus point of the staging is inside of the prison in which the play is set. However, there are good use of props throughout which allows the audience to feel that they have been transported to different locations within the prison as the story moves on. The dark and dingy lighting, cleverly designed by Chris Davey, creates a dark atmosphere, which effectively gives the audience insight into the depressing and brutal conditions of prison life for inmates during that time.

Sound designer Andy Graham also cleverly uses sound effects of cell doors slamming and echos within the prison walls. There is good use of eerie music at vital times, to entice the audience and draws us in to the grittier moments of the play. Furthermore, during the transitions of scenes, music is played from the time in which the play is set and gives audience an idea of how much time has passed in the Shawshank.

Although The Shawshank Redemption is an effective piece of storytelling, it is worth highlighting that there are some moments when dialogue is lost and the storytelling almost stops at a standstill.

Throughout, the quote “get busy living, or get busy dying” is repeated and this is perfectly encapsulated throughout the play. The Shawshank Redemption explores themes of desperation, injustice, friendship and hope but for the duration, it encompasses the idea of persistence and having hope through hardships.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Vicky Humphreys

The Shawshank Redemption plays at The Lowry until 5 November, with tickets for select tour dates available to book here.