REVIEW - THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION | HOME MANCHESTER | 08/10/2025
- Sarah Monaghan
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 8
The Shawshank Redemption at HOME Manchester – A Powerful Tale of Hope and Humanity
It’s not often that a story holds such an enduring place in popular culture as The Shawshank Redemption. First penned by Stephen King in his 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption, the tale later became one of the most beloved films of all time. Now, this stage adaptation by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns returns for its third UK tour, bringing a fresh intensity to the story of hope, friendship and survival behind bars.
I attended the production at HOME Manchester, where the haunting echoes of the prison came to life on stage. Starring Strictly Come Dancing winner and Holby City favourite Joe McFadden as Andy Dufresne, alongside London’s Burning star Ben Onwukwe as Red and Coronation Street’s Bill Ward as the menacing Warden Stammas, this production brings together a powerhouse of talent.
When banker Andy Dufresne is sentenced to life imprisonment for a double murder he insists he didn’t commit, he finds himself in the grim confines of Shawshank Prison. There, he forges an unlikely friendship with Red and begins to find a fragile kind of hope amid despair. As Andy uses his intelligence and quiet determination to navigate life behind bars, the story unfolds as a powerful meditation on resilience, friendship and the search for redemption.
Even for those who know the film, the stage version offers a more intimate experience. Through Red’s narration and the clever use of time and space, we witness the slow burn of Andy’s endurance from hopeless newcomer to quiet revolutionary and the impact he has on those around him.
Gary McCann’s set design instantly captures the oppressive nature of prison life, with harsh metallic tones, dim corridors and claustrophobic cells. Clever lighting shifts transform the space seamlessly from Andy’s cell to the warden’s office, while subtle sepia hues evoke a nostalgic, almost cinematic atmosphere.
The lighting and sound design work in perfect harmony, heightening moments of tension and reflection alike. Transitions are underscored by perfectly chosen music a mix of classic Americana and soulful instrumentals that bring warmth to an otherwise bleak world. Costumes add to the authenticity: faded denim, crisp uniforms and worn-out fabrics.
Joe McFadden gives a quietly powerful performance as Andy Dufresne. His portrayal is understated yet deeply affecting, allowing the audience to see the quiet intelligence and emotional turmoil beneath his calm exterior.
Ben Onwukwe as Red is magnetic from the moment he steps on stage. His warmth, wit and perfectly timed narration ground the play in humanity. His chemistry with McFadden creates a friendship that feels both lived-in and emotionally real.
Bill Ward brings a compelling menace as Warden Stammas. His mix of charisma and cruelty makes him a fascinating antagonist a man blinded by greed and power.
Supporting performances are equally impressive. Kenneth Jay’s Brooksie is heartbreakingly tender, while Aein Nasseri, stepping in for Kyle Harrison-Pope as Tommy at this performance, brings a real sense of youthful vulnerability and hope. Sean Kingsley and Ashley D. Gayle inject menace as the violent “Sisters”, their presence ever-threatening yet uncomfortably real. Each member of the ensemble adds authenticity and depth to the world of Shawshank.
The Shawshank Redemption at HOME Manchester is a gripping, emotionally charged piece of theatre that captures both the brutality and beauty of the human spirit. While the pacing occasionally stutters between scenes due to a few heavy blackouts, the sheer strength of the performances more than makes up for it.
This isn’t just a prison drama it’s a story of hope against all odds. By the time the final scene plays out, the audience is left uplifted, reminded that even in the darkest places, hope can still shine through. A must-see for fans of powerful storytelling and heartfelt performances, The Shawshank Redemption proves once again that “hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things.”
A compelling and beautifully acted production that reminds us that freedom begins in the mind.
The Shawshank Redemption is at Home Manchester until Saturday 12th October 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.
Photo Credit - Jack Merriman.
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review
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