The Shawshank Redemption comes to Wycombe Swan Theatre in March 2026

The stage adaptation of Stephen King’s much-loved novella, The Shawshank Redemption, lands at Wycombe Swan Theatre in March 2026.

Step inside the walls of Stephen King’s legendary maximum-security prison and experience the acclaimed stage adaptation of the much-loved novella, as The Shawshank Redemption arrives at the Wycombe Swan Theatre.

On stage from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th March 2026, the story centres on Andy Dufresne, who is sentenced to two consecutive life terms for murders he insists he did not commit. Behind bars, he forms an unexpected friendship with fellow inmate and prison fixer, Red.

Exploring themes of injustice, desperation, friendship and hope, the production captures the emotional power of the original story while delivering a gripping and deeply moving performance that lays bare the harsh and dehumanising realities of prison life.

Joe McFadden stars as Andy Dufresne, the softly spoken banker wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. Calm, clever and quietly resilient, Andy’s survival depends on connection – particularly with Ellis “Red” Redding, played by the outstanding Ben Onwukwe, who reprises his critically acclaimed performance from the show’s earlier tour.

Their friendship forms the production’s emotional backbone, wry and tender.

Completing the central trio is Bill Ward as the chillingly corrupt Warden Stammas, a performance that simmers with menace and control. As Andy’s talents for accountancy are exploited behind bars, a dangerous game unfolds – and a daring plan is set in motion, hidden in plain sight.

Fans of the original 1994 film will appreciate the respectful nods to a cultural classic (nominated for seven Academy Awards and now considered one of the greatest films of all time), while newcomers will see why this story continues to resonate decades later.

As The Shawshank Redemption itself reminds us: get busy living, or get busy dying… This production firmly chooses the former.

For more information or to book tickets, visit Wycombe Swan’s website or call 0343 310 0060.

Production photography © Jack Merriman

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