The Shawshank Redemption was at Cheltenham Everyman last week (10th - 14th February) and we were invited to see it.
Despite protests of his innocence, Andy Dufresne is handed a double life sentence for the brutal murders of his wife and her lover. Incarcerated in the notorious Shawshank facility, he quickly learns that no one can survive alone.
Andy strikes up an unlikely friendship with the prison fixer Red, and things start to take a slight turn for the better. However, when Warden Stammas decides to bully Andy into subservience and exploit his talents for accountancy, a desperate plan is quietly hatched…
Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella, this thrilling stage production examines friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility. The 1994 feature film was nominated for seven Academy Awards.
BEN ONWUKWE boasts a 30 year stage career including leading roles with the RSC and the Royal Court, and eleven years on TV as Recall McKenzie in London’s Burning. - We had the chance to chat to Ben in regards to his role in the Play, which you can listen to here: https://radiobath.com/ben-onwukwe-talks-the-shawshank-redemption-on-radio-bath/)
The Play itself is very moving with some serious topics mentioned, but is narrated really well by Ben who helps guide the story through its stages and Bens right during the scene changes there is music to match the era and this is showcased by pre-show music before the performance starts. Overall, the show is really good for its drama and intense scenes. We really enjoyed it and speaking to Ben before the show over zoom was helpful to understand the narrative of the play.
I would certainly recommend booking a trip to see this iconic story brought to life on stage.