This adaptation of Stephen King’s novella was written in 2009, then again in 2013, presumably adding some details from the 1994 film such as Tommy’s death. Now on it’s third UK tour, the production feels polished and engaging.
Photo © Jack Merriman
From curtain up it is clear that Chris Davey’s lighting is key to atmosphere and setting. Zones are lit in narrow squares, spot lighting creates unreadable facial expressions and the projections of barred windows prevail.
Set against Gary McCann’s imposing block wall set, the result is instantly oppressive. Walls are institutional green and roughly textured, lights are hard and industrial and lowering small backdrops quickly creates the Governor’s office, Andy’s cell and the library. Armed guards patrol the gantry in shadows. This prison feels real.
A strong cast play the inmates and their bleak lives inside are vividly portrayed as Guards stand motionless on the edges, sinister in their stillness.
Joe McFadden is Andy and plays his mix of anger, outrage and revenge well. Bill Ward is suitably unpleasant as the Warden but Ben Onwukwe as Red (the Morgan Freeman character) is perfect both as narrator and the prison fixer.
There are moments of violence and death (it is a male prison) but while the film necessarily makes these graphic, even visceral, here Director David Esbjornson and Fight Director Alison Be Burgh recognise the power in suggestion, tension and the audience’s imaginations.
The result is a gripping, powerful and uplifting play guaranteed to please fans of book, film or even first timers.
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Reviewer: Tony Burton
