The nation’s favourite movie, The Shawshank Redemption is coming to the stage! Starring Joe Absolom (Eastenders, Doc Martin, The Bay) as Andy Dufresne and Ben Onwukwe (Royal Shakespeare Company, London’s Burning, Professor T) as Ellis ‘Red’ Redding at the Devonshire Park Theatre, 26 September – 1 October.
Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption and adapted by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, this thrilling stage production examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility.
The 1994 feature film, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, was nominated for seven Academy Awards. The Shawshank Redemption went on to become the nation’s favourite movie and a huge source of inspiration to film makers, with The National Film Registry citing the film as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
Despite protests of his innocence, Andy Dufresne is handed a double life sentence for the brutal murder of his wife and her lover. Incarcerated at 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 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…
Joe Absolom said, “The Shawshank Redemption is one of my favourite films, an incredibly moving tale of friendship and injustice, and I’m thrilled to be playing the iconic role of Andy Dufresne on stage around the UK”.
Ben Onwukwe added, “I’m delighted to be returning to the role of “Red” in this amazing production. The Shawkshank Redemption film is one which many hold close to their hearts, and it’s exciting to be bringing Stephen King’s story to new audiences. It is a modern meditation on HOPE and in these times, it is Hope that we need”.
The Shawshank Redemption plays at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne this autumn, 26 September – 1 October. Tickets and further show information at eastbournetheatres.co.uk. Box Office 01323 412000. Ovation membership also available. ENDS.
