The show opened at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on Tuesday night for the first of a five-night run
22:15, 14 Jan 2026Updated 10:01, 16 Jan 2026
Red (Ben Onwukwe) and Andy Dufresne (Joe McFadden) in The Shawshank Redemption(Image: Jack Merriman Photography)
It is widely considered by many critics as one of, if not the greatest film of all time. The Shawshank Redemption will always be found at the top of the list when people rank their personal cinematic masterpieces. But how does the famous film translate when it is performed on stage?
The Shawshank Redemption opened at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on Tuesday night for the first of a five-night run, adapted for the stage based on the novella ‘Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption’ by Stephen King. It tells the story of Andy Dufresne (Joe McFadden), who, despite protesting his innocence, is handed a double life sentence for the brutal murders of his wife and her lover.
Incarcerated in the notorious Shawshank facility, he quickly strikes up an unlikely friendship with the prison fixer, Red (Ben Onwukwe), where things start to take a slight turn for the better. But when Warden Stammas (Bill Ward) decides to bully Andy into subservience and exploit his talents for accountancy, a desperate plan is quietly hatched. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
The show explores the brutal realities of prison life(Image: Jack Merriman Photography)
From the first moment the stage curtain was raised, my attention was captivated immediately. Red, introducing the audience to the maximum security facility, explained how “violence and corruption is rife in every nook and cranny.” And the atmospheric staging more than set that scene. Weathered and dusty green and white prison walls depicted a run-down and claustrophobic environment, paired with smart spotlighting and sound effects creating the ambience of life behind bars, including drips of water and the scurry of rats.
The slick two hour and ten minute show is strictly for those aged 12 and over, and it is clear to see why. There are some harrowing scenes of a sexual nature, together with violence and strong language, which gives a sober reminder of the dangers of prison life. A very intense scene in the aftermath of a chess game in the first half of the show is particularly brutal to watch.
Andy Dufresne (Joe McFadden) and Bogs Diamond (Sean Kingsley) play chess(Image: Jack Merriman Photography)
The casting is perfect, with McFadden and Ward presenting as familiar faces, known for their time in Heartbeat, Holby City and Strictly Come Dancing (McFadden), and Coronation Street and Emmerdale (Ward). They both show how versatile they are as actors, putting in performances you’ve never seen from them before.
Warden Stammas (Bill Ward) and Tommy Williams (Kyle Harrison-Pope)(Image: Jack Merriman Photography)
Onwukwe steals the show as Red, bringing much needed light to balance a show which deals with very sensitive topics throughout. Another standout character is Kenneth Ray, as Brooksie the prison librarian, who evokes sympathy in several moments in his supporting role.
“I am nobody, I am nothing, and they train you to believe that,” he says.
Kenneth Ray, as Brooksie the prison librarian, pictured stood on the ladder(Image: Jack Merriman Photography)
Engaging, tense, raw and brilliant, this show is a must see, not just for fans of the famous film, but for fans of the theatre in general.
The Shawshank Redemption is at Wales Millennium Centre until Friday, January 17 with tickets starting from £18. It will also be performed at Theatr Clwyd in Mold from May 11 to 16 as part of a nationwide tour which ends in June.
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