🧱 Redemption, Resistance, and Revelation: The Shawshank Redemption Comes to Darlington Hippodrome This September
A gritty, gripping tale of injustice, endurance, and the unbreakable human spirit takes centre stage this September as The Shawshank Redemption arrives at Darlington Hippodrome. Running from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 September 2025, this new UK touring production brings fresh intensity and powerhouse performances to a story that has captivated audiences worldwide for decades.
🎭 A Cinematic Classic Reimagined for the Stage
Originally a novella by the master of suspense Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption found global fame through its legendary 1994 film adaptation starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. Now, in a bold and atmospheric stage version adapted by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, the story finds a new lease on life—this time behind the bars of British theatres.
This production is more than a retelling; it’s a reinvention. Exploring themes of hope, resilience, and redemption against the harsh confines of incarceration, the play delves deep into the psychological toll and transformative power of life within Shawshank State Penitentiary.
⭐ Star-Studded Cast with Serious Stage Cred
Leading the cast is Joe McFadden as Andy Dufresne, the quietly determined banker falsely convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. A household name thanks to roles in Holby City, Heartbeat, and his Glitterball-winning turn on Strictly Come Dancing, McFadden brings both gravitas and vulnerability to a man whose mind remains free even while his body is caged.
Returning to the role of Ellis "Red" Redding is Ben Onwukwe, reprising his critically acclaimed performance from the show’s 2016 UK tour. With a distinguished 30-year career across the RSC, Royal Court, and television hits like London’s Burning and Professor T, Onwukwe’s Red is the emotional anchor of the production—a seasoned inmate who finds his worldview changed by an unlikely friendship.
Portraying the manipulative Warden Stammas is Bill Ward, familiar to audiences from his long-running TV roles in Coronation Street and Emmerdale. His recent theatre credits include Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Spamalot, and a memorable performance as Gerald in the UK tour of The Full Monty. Expect a chilling, charismatic portrayal of institutional corruption.
👥 A Full Company of Conviction
The ensemble cast adds further depth and colour to prison life. The full company includes:
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Graham Elwell as the cautious and broken Bryan Hadley
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Ashley D Gayle as the volatile Rooster
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Jeffrey Harmer as Entwistle
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Kyle Harrison-Pope as young and idealistic Tommy Williams
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Kenneth Jay as the tragic Brooksie
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Sean Kingsley as the menacing Bogs Diamond
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Fernando Mariano as Rico
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Aein Nasseri as Nelson
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Owen Oldroyd as Dawkins
Together, this ensemble builds a pressure-cooker world where fear, friendship, and survival are daily battles.
🎟️ Don’t Miss This Intense Theatrical Experience
Whether you're a long-time fan of the film or new to the story, this stage adaptation promises to offer fresh insights and visceral drama. The storytelling remains rooted in Stephen King’s powerful original narrative, but with the added immediacy and intimacy that only live theatre can provide.
Audiences can expect moments of quiet tenderness and explosive confrontation, all set against a hauntingly designed prison backdrop. The production doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life inside Shawshank but shines a light on the hope that can emerge even from the darkest places.
🔗 BOOKING INFO
📍 Darlington Hippodrome
📅 Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 September 2025
📞 Box Office: 01325 405405
🌐 Book online: www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
Freedom is a state of mind. Come and experience one of modern storytelling’s most unforgettable tales—live on stage.
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