The Shawshank Redemption

Another dash to another airport, this time from Madrid to Dublin. The taxi driver who took us to our hotel had views on everything, from the BNP to whether the new international rugby ground at Lansdowne Road would be built in time for the Ireland v England match in 18 months time. After a quick change, I made my way to the Gaiety Theatre to watch a new production of The Shawshank Redemption, a play of the much-loved Stephen King film. Two young men, Owen O'Neill and Dave Johns, wrote a script on speculation, and took it to Breda Cashe, the well known Irish producer of Stones in his Pocket, who believed that it had great potential. She then spent the next 6 months trying to convince Stephen King's advisers and lawyers that it should be given a chance. Finally they agreed to a six-week run in Ireland, saying if it proved a success it could be transferred to London. It's been a massive success, making a handsome profit in the short six week run. I was delighted to learn that King's advisers have given the transfer the go-ahead, and negotiations are on going with Paul Elliott to put it on stage in the West End. I loved the film, and was equally entranced by the play, which I have a feeling will be a big hit when it crosses the Irish Sea.