Inevitable comparisons will always be drawn when an Oscar-winning film as beloved as The Shawshank Redemption is brought to the stage.
There is a lot to live up to.
The shadow of the 1994 hit looms large but director David Esbjornson makes enough subtle tweaks to create an impressive new interpretation without losing the charm or raw power of the movie.
Having said that this live version did take a little time to grow on me, perhaps because I have seen the film a gazillion times, as there are some slightly ropey American accents and possibly a few too many maniacal laughs from one of 'the sisters'.
Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, the production explores injustice and corruption in the nightmarish environment of a maximum-security US prison.
Although he is innocent, smart businessman Andy Dufresne is serving a double life sentence for the murder of his wife and her lover.
Once inside Shawshank facility, he befriends prison fixer Red and uses his talent for accountancy to make his existence inside more bearable, while secretly plotting how to get out.
Joe Absolom, best known for his roles in EastEnders and Doc Martin, plays the wrongly convicted Andy and while his version lacks the quiet aloofness of Tim Robbins, he has made the role his own, bringing a certain new intensity to the character.
Ben Onwukwe, familiar to many for his part in London’s Burning, plays Ellis ‘Red’ Redding, and although his narration lacks the unique depth and warmth of Morgan Freeman, such big shoes, he does, without doubt, win over the audience and is utterly captivating, the memorable ‘I hope’ speech causing hairs on the back of the neck to rise.
Special mention must be made of what I thought were stand-out performances put in by Coulter Dittman as Tommy Williams, the young man Andy teaches, and Kenneth Jay, as Brooksie, the old lag librarian who cannot handle life on the outside.
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Powerful themes of freedom, friendship and hope run throughout the production, which does not shy away from unsettling topics, such as gang rape and prison violence.
The majority of the play is dominated by the minimalist set by Gary McCann with simplistic but effective clever stagecraft effortlessly shifting scenes to an impressive soundtrack of music from the 50s and 60s.
The ending is as uplifting as the film, and as the birds sing the warmth of the sun is so palpable even the audience can feel it on their faces.
The Shawshank Redemption plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday January 21.
Tickets can be booked here or by calling 0191 232 7010.
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