News

Shawshank redeems Wyndham's

Posted by Jack on Thursday 2nd July 2009 at 3:30PM

From September, the Wyndham's will be home to The Shawshank Redemption, the hit stage adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The Shawshank Redemption tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two inmates in the fictional Shawshank State Prison in the late 1940's.

In 1994, the book was adapted into the critically hailed film The Shawshank Redemption, which starred Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. This production marked the first time The Shawshank Redemption has been staged profeesionally when it premiered at Dublin's Gaiety theatre in March. A 20-strong, predominantly Irish cast is led by American TV stars Reg E. Cathey and Kevin Anderson (below).

Cathey is best known as warden Martin Querns in cult prison drama Oz and as Norman Wilson in The Wire. He has also appeared in Law and Order, ER and Star Trek, as well as such hit films as Se7en, Clear and Present Danger and American Psycho. Cathey plays Red, a wise and respected inmate who has become an expert at smuggling in contraband during his twenty year sentence.

Kevin Anderson returns to the West End after originating the role of Joe in Sunset Boulevard in 1993. His numerous television credits include Nothing Sacred, Skin and The FBI Files. He is best known for his films which have included Charlotte’s Web, Sleeping with the Enemy and Far From Home. Anderson plays Andy, a quiet banker who has been wrongly accused of murdering his wife and her lover.

The play, adapted by Owen O'Neill and Dave Johns, received rapturous reviews in Dublin, hailed as 'powerful', 'inspirational' and superb. It looks like the the latest in a long line of screen to stage adaptations is going to give the Wyndham’s yet another hit.

Performances of The Shawshank Redemption begin on 4 September. Tickets are available here.