A stage adaptation of one of the
most critically acclaimed films of all times, based on a book written by one of
the World’s most successful author’s was always going to have a lot to live up
to.
It was a shame therefore this
production didn’t feel like an attempt to even try and compete.
Set in a high security prison
over 20 years, much of the original story and many of the original characters
remain. Fans of the film will remember warm characters with depth and variety,
honest storytelling, gritty drama and well-placed light hearted moments.
This production, its UK debut,
unfortunately offered little of those things. There was no real chemistry
between the actors and no sense of them knowing each other for two decades.
There was such little heart in the characters that the climactic reuniting of
Ian Kelsey (Andy) and Patrick Robinson (Red) felt particularly underwhelming
and lifeless. There was neither an ounce of joy or relief between them and
summed up the slow, defeatist mood of this play.
Scene changes were designed to
show the passing of time, a tough thing to achieve on stage, but this device
slowed the pace of the production down even more. The slow-motion exits during
these moments were not consistent which typified the lack of care and attention
to detail throughout this woeful play.
This adaptation would have been
massively improved with an underlying musical score. This would have added some
weight and atmosphere on stage; the skeleton was there, but needed completely fleshing
out.
Opportunities to create real
tension and drama on stage were repeatedly missed. When loveable librarian
Brooks attempts to take his own life on-stage in a response to be given parole,
the audience do not empathise with him or his cell mates as no relationships
have been established in the build up to this moment. News of his eventual (and
off-stage) demise is almost greeted with a shrug.
Another wasted opportunity is the
killing of Tommy. On film it is one of the most shocking and dark moments but
on stage was drawn out and lost. The audience were waiting for the loud
gunshots to ring out and use the height of the set, but instead he was led to
his cell and suffered another “off-stage death”.
Overall The Shawshank Redemption
just didn’t translate from screen to stage. Too many scenes were short and
fragmented, scene changes drawn out and slow and characters lifeless. This was
a forgettable production which washed over the audience and left no lasting
impression. Which for an original text written by Stephen King and a film
packing so much punch, was a shame to witness something so limp.
Review by Andy Edmeads
Rating: ★
