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The Shawshank Redemption arrives at the Milton Keynes Theatre. In this stage version of one of the most popular films of all time Ian Kelsey plays the apparently unfairly imprisoned Andy Dufresne, portraying his somewhat odd characteristics and mannerisms perfectly. His acting lead “partner in crime” Patrick Robinson plays Red, who apart from a great acting performance, part narrates throughout the performance. The other nine members of the cast all play their part, and their share of set shifting, which is cleverly choreographed, and the scenery, lighting, and sound effects give the “Shank” a feeling of reality.
Although the stage performance does not fully follow the film script, the main thread of the story is true to the original, and does not detract from the enjoyment of this timeless classic.
Prison life can be harsh and this is reflected throughout the play, in both situations and language used.
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 but 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…
The funny thing is that when the 1994 movie of The Shawshank Redemption was released in cinemas, in terms of box office takings, it was considered a flop.
Yes, The Shawshank Redemption – the film that is voted Britain’s favourite ever movie time and time again!
But it all started with Stephen King – yes, THAT Stephen King. He hasn’t just written those terrifyingly creepy horror stories.
Based on his 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption, this play, which is adapted by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns and directed by David Esbjornson, examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum security facility.
Two of TV’s best loved leading men, Ian Kelsey (Andy Dufresne) and Patrick Robinson (Red), star in this thrilling new production of The Shawshank Redemption.
On announcing the end of his role as Howard Bellamy in Doctors, there was immediate speculation as to what would be next for Ian, whose extraordinary TV career has hardly seen him off our screens in two decades with leading roles in Casualty, Emmerdale, Down To Earth and Where The Heart Is.
Patrick Robinson’s impressive TV career also spans two decades and includes eight years as ‘Ash’ in BBC’s Casualty, Midsomer Murders, and Strictly Come Dancing 2013 where he got to the semi-finals. His stage work has seen him play leading roles with the RSC and in London’s West End.
The cast also includes Ian Barritt as Brooksie, co-writer Owen O’Neill as the bible-thumping warden, Stammas, Leigh Jones as Rooster and Kevin Mathurin as Bogs Diamond and the show is a Bill Kenwright production.
Performances: Mon 16 Nov – Sat 21 Nov
Mon – Sat eves 7.30pm
Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm
Prices: Tickets from £11 (£12.90 online/phone)
Book your tickets for this powerful, moving and life-affirming show now from the box office on 0844 871 7652 or To Buy On Line Click Here
Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups)
