THE cast of prison drama, The Shawshank Redemption, took a break from performing at Oxford New Theatre to visit a converted jailhouse.
Paul Nicholls, Ben Onwukwe and Jack Ellis visited Malmaison Oxford to see how this prison, set within a medieval castle, looks now it has been converted into a trendy boutique hotel.
The prison remained active until 1996 with many original features still remaining. Located just a short walk from the New Theatre, in the Oxford Castle Quarter, the cast found themselves in one of the oldest, busiest and trendiest spots in the city – a far cry away from Shawshank State Penitentiary.
Ben urged people to catch the show: “It’s a remarkable staging of an iconic film. There are great performances from the 12 strong cast and the oppressive world they inhabit is vividly recreated on stage.
He added: “It’s wonderful to be back in Oxford. It’s been exciting to be here at Malmaison. It is so fantastic that they have kept the façade of the prison.”
The Shawshank Redemption, which opened in Oxford on Monday 7 November, is presented by Bill Kenwright and directed by award-winning Broadway director David Esbjornson. This powerful and acclaimed production is adapted from Stephen King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, which was made into the 1994 Oscar Award winning film The Shawshank Redemption, regularly voted as the nation’s favourite film.
The play examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum security facility. The 1994 feature film starred Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman and was nominated for seven Academy Awards.
The Shawshank Redemption runs at the New Theatre until Saturday 12 November. Tickets can be purchased from the New Theatre box office on George Street, by ringing 0844 871 3020 or by visiting our website at www.atgtickets.com/oxford
For bookings of 10 or more, or for Equal Access bookings, please call our dedicated in-house team on 0844 871 3040.