The Shawshank Redemption – In celebration of the 21st anniversary since the original film was released, casting has been announced for the UK tour of The Shawshank Redemption. This new production will be heading off on tour from the 18th August until the 28th November.

Playing the role of Andy Dufresne, the banker who has been handed a double life sentence for the murder of his wife and her lover and is incarcerated in the Shawshank penitentiary is Ian Kelsey (Doctors).

Joining him in the production is television’s Patrick Robinson, who is best known for his role of Martin Ashford in Casualty. In The Shawkshank Redemption, Robinson will be playing prison fixer Red, who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Andy.

Presented by Bill Kenwright, this new production is directed by the award-winning director David Esbjornson.

For more information visit: http://www.kenwright.com/microsite/the-shawshank-redemption/ .

Hecuba, Swan Theatre – The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced the full casting for a new production of Marina Carr’s new play based on the tale of Hecuba, directed by Erica Whyman.

The production opens at the Swan Theatre in Stratford on 24th September and stars Derbhle Crotty in the title role.

Other members of the cast includes: Nadia Albina, David Ajao, Ray Fearon, Edmund Kingsley, Amy McAllister, Chu Omambala, Lara Stubbs.

Hecuba is set after the fall of Troy and while the war has ended, something worse is about to begin. Humiliated by her defeat, Queen Hecuba must lead her daughters into a world that they don’t recognise…

For more information about this production visit: http://www.rsc.org.uk/whats-on/hecuba/?from=planner