The Shawshank Redemption Stage Play Comes to Leeds
May 6, 2026New Adaptation of Stephen King’s Novella Runs at Leeds Grand Theatre
The acclaimed stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption will be performed at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 May 2026. The production is based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, which inspired the 1994 film starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman.
About the Play and Cast
Written by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, the play explores the story of Andy Dufresne, a man sentenced to life imprisonment despite maintaining his innocence. Set in the late 1940s, the narrative follows Andy’s experience at the Shawshank prison, where he forms a friendship with fellow inmate Red and faces challenges from the prison’s authoritarian warden.
- Joe McFadden stars as Andy Dufresne. McFadden, known for television roles in Heartbeat and Holby City, describes Andy as an intelligent character who retains his moral compass despite the harsh prison environment. He notes that the play offers new insights beyond the film adaptation, delving deeper into the original novella.
- Ben Onwukwe plays Red, the elder inmate and narrator of the story. Onwukwe brings extensive stage experience including work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Royal Court Theatre. He highlights the themes of hope and humanity amid the grim setting of the prison.
- Bill Ward takes on the role of Warden Stammas, a character combining traits from multiple figures in the novella. Ward points out the warden’s complex personality, describing him as both manipulative and superficially reasonable.
Themes and Production Notes
The production emphasises themes such as hope, resilience, brotherhood, and the struggle for redemption. The story addresses how individuals maintain their humanity in oppressive circumstances. The cast members have noted the importance of sharing this message with audiences across the UK, highlighting the value of theatre beyond London.
Ward commented on the differences between stage and television acting, noting the continuous character arc in theatre and the unique experience of performing live before an audience. McFadden also reflected on his theatre career and the challenge of portraying such an iconic character.
Performance Details
- Venue: Leeds Grand Theatre
- Dates: Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 May 2026
Tickets are available through the Leeds Heritage Theatres website. The production is part of a national tour bringing the story to various venues across the country.
Source
Information sourced from Leeds Heritage Theatres.
