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IT'S THE over-hyped Fringe show everyone has been waiting for. The one that’s appeared in every publication’s must-see list and set everyone’s tongues wagging. It is, of course, the stage adaptation of Stephen King’s novella – The Shawshank Redemption.

Even in the queue to get in, people commented on how little rehearsal time the cast had been given.

“How could anyone play the role of Red?” said one punter. “Only Morgan Freeman can do it,” said another.

Set within the Music Hall, it was clear big money had been spent on production – five gigantic rusty cells, about 20 feet in height each, dominate the stage.

The question was, how would this classic story transfer to the stage? In short, pretty darn well. So for those who have never seen or heard the story, a quick recap.

Andy Dufresne has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the supposed murder of his wife and her lover.

In prison he meets Red, a man who can “get things” for him, namely a rock hammer.

Dufresne starts a new prison library and staves off sexual predators by helping the prison staff with their tax issues. Andy’s life becomes more comfortable inside until he tries to arrange himself a new trial. Will he ever escape Shawshank?

Three key things make this show work so well – great acting, even better editing and a convincing environment.

Covering almost 30 years inside 90 minutes is no mean feat, either, so to come away feeling suitably entertained is to the credit of everyone involved.

Key scenes are dealt with cleverly and by the end you’ll feel you’ve been on a remarkable journey.

Ian Lavender (Private Pike from Dad’s Army) puts in a career-best performance as old-timer Brooksie.

However, the only real let-down is the chemistry – or lack thereof – between Andy (Kyle Secor) and Red (played by comedian Omid Djalili).

In the 1994 movie you’re willing the two friends to reunite But here, you don’t feel any kind of emotional release at all. This just goes to show that the punters are right – that only Morgan Freeman can play Red.

Nevertheless, this is one prison drama you won’t mind spending an afternoon in the cells for.