Show: The Shawshank Redemption
Society: Churchill Theatre Bromley (professional)
Venue: Churchill Theatre Bromley
Credits: Adapted by Owen O'Neill and Dave Johns, inspired by the classic film and based on the short novel by Stephen King. Produced by Bill Kenwright
Type: Sardines
Author: Paul Johnson
Performance Date: 31/10/2016
The Shawshank Redemption
Paul Johnson | 01 Nov 2016 15:50pm
Mention The Shawshank Redemption to just about anyone and nearly all will instantly recognise it as one of the greatest films ever made. A quick visit to IMDB (Internet Movie Database) confirms this with it rated as the no.1 voted movie of all time ahead of other top contenders such as The Godfather (parts I & II), Schindler’s List and 12 Angry Men. Adapted in 1994 from Stephen King’s 1982 short story, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, the film is arguably seen as ‘untouchable’. Therefore, the presence of a stage adaptation, written in 2009, rewritten in 2013 and now in its first major UK tour, is a controversial move. How does one compete with perfection!
The only way such a venture might stand a decent chance would probably be if the stage adaptation was to offer a vastly different structure or characterisations to the familiar story, which is virtually impossible given the fixed outline of the plot. Writers and self-confessed fans of the film, David Johns and Owen O’Neill, claim to have adapted the stage play directly from King’s novel rather than Frank Darabont’s film but have curiously decided on an identical title to that of the cinema classic! After visiting the production which has stopped off at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre this week, I can confirm the stage adaptation, which has been produced in a similar fashion to the film, is something of a weak comparison to the celluloid counterpart.
The play, directed by David Esbjornson, features a revised cast of twelve headlined by Paul Nicholls as Andy Dufresne, Jack Ellis as Warden Stammas, and Ben Onwukwe as Red. Except for a few scenes in the second act, the stage adaptation fails to offer anything new or interesting enough to be held as a worthy ‘live’ alternative. In addition, the three actors already mentioned are themselves mere shadows of the exceptional performances of Robbins, Freeman and Bob Gunton’s merciless Warden… and I could go on, including Daniel Stewart’s portrayal of the violent and almost psychopath Captain Byron Hadley which, I’m very sorry to say doesn’t even come close to Clancy Brown’s striking performance.
You’ll notice this review is almost completely written comparing the stage adaptation to the film, but when you’re bringing such an iconic part of cinematic history to the stage then what do you expect. You can’t have your cake and eat it. Producer Bill Kenwright’s website even bills the production as “Celebrating the 21st Anniversary of the Nation’s Favourite Movie.” I mean what next, The Godfather? ‘What about 12 Angry Men?’ I hear you cry; IMDB’s 5th best film of all time. Good point, but the important issue there is that Reginald Rose’s classic was originally written as a play and later adapted for the big screen – which is why it always works so well onstage when produced today.
I guess there will be people in the audience who have yet to see the film who will be duly satisfied after their evening out but, when they do get hold of a copy, then I have a feeling that Morgan Freeman’s irresistible narration will win hands down.
So, the arguments continue. The only way to make your own mind up is to buy a ticket for yourself. The Shawshank Redemption continues at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre until Saturday, 5th November before continuing on its tour.
- : admin
- : 31/10/2016