The Shawshank Redemption, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
AS an all-time favourite of mine, I was curious whether The Shawshank Redemption would work on stage.
I knew the answer to my question hinged on the strength of the three main characters – Andy Dufresne, Warden Stammas and Ellis Red Redding– in the Bill Kenwright production.
Paul Nicholls, best known for starring in Eastenders and Law and Order, gave a flawless performance of the intellectual banker, Andy.
He pulled off the American accent and constantly outsmarted the wards in the prison where he was handed a double life sentence for the murder of his wife and her lover.
Jack Ellis was a great choice for the evil chief warden, having played a similar role in Bad Girls.
And Ben Onwukwe nailed the charming character of Red in every way possible. But, for me, the star of the show was Rico, played by Adam Henderson Scott, whose eccentricity had the audiences in stitches.
The only setback was the play was too quiet at times. It’s on until Saturday at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.
Joel Holt
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