Has anyone seen the 'The Shawshank Redemption' yet? I'm considering getting £20 day seats, or £10 balcony seats or £10 standing today. I liked the film, and it got fine reviews in Dublin.

It seems they can't use the same script as the movie because although it is adapted from the novella, the movie also contains script especially written for it and there are copywrite issues.
So maybe the adapter for the stage has gone back to the original - might be better than the movie, who know? But note of caution if you are in love with the movie.

It obviously done well in Ireland otherwise it wouldnt have transferred

I saw this on Saturday and it was brilliant. I have never seen the film so can't compare it but definitely worth booking.

This production is an absolute disaster area. Yes the characters of Red and Dufresne are great and the actors play them well but everything else is dull and unimaginative. Some of the inmate carry on is reminiscent of a parish hall ham acting and the director really really needs to sort out his ensemble. Instead, the peripheral performances and pitched big, broad and screeching and rather than nurturing the atmosphere of the piece merely distracts from the central performances. This is a big broad shot at commercial big time by producers who do not know any better. Its a pity. They have the money and the ambition and its a great idea to bring to the stage but they just do not have the know how to carry it off. People may enjoy it as a night out but this Shawshank will be quickly forgotten....

We certainly have a difference of opinion here - anyone else seen it?

Seeing the matinee today got student standby for 25 quid front row stalls. Will report back tonight

Was reli good guys!

What makes it so good is the cast, they work so well together.

I must say that i think the story works better on film than on stage, but the film is so amazing that it would be hard to beat in terms of that. The experience of seeing live theatre is so much better than watching a film anyways so go and enjoy!!

NOT GOOD. NOT GOOD AT ALL.

Saw last night and, while different to the film, is a competent stage adaptation. Not the greatest thing in the West End but nothing really wrong with it either. Some good acting and a strong story make for a good couple of hours

There is no imagination here. No theatricality. No direction. Why pay £60 here to see something you will forget in two weeks when you could see it in a local parish hall and get as much if not more enjoyment. This gives the West End a bad name.

This is produced by Paul Elliott and David Ian, two of the most respected and successful producers in the West End. I have to disagree with you about this being a disaster, i think it is absolutely fantastic. Saw it last night and was blown away by it. Thought the performances were wonderful across the board. Geoffrey Hutchings is a superb actor, and was as good as ever. Not seen Kevin Anderson or Reg E. Cathey before but thought they were great. Also liked Diarmuid Noyes as Tommy, and thought the ensemble very strong. Got a standing ovation too. Really hope this succeeds.