A poster of the English-language play “The Shawshank Redemption.” Photos from the show organizers

Still remember the mixed emotions you felt after watching “The Shawshank Redemption?” Soon, you will have a chance to experience the beloved story anew on stage. The English-language stage production “The Shawshank Redemption” from the U.K. will embark on its first China tour in late 2026, with a stop in Shenzhen at the Pingshan Theater. 

Released in 1994, the film was adapted from “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption,” a novella by Stephen King, known as the “King of Horror.” It has long held the No. 1 spot on IMDb’s Top 250 Movies list, and boasts a 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Described by The Observer as an electrifying, must-see show, the stage production is directed by David Esbjornson, a renowned Broadway director whose credits include “Death of a Salesman” and “The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?” He is known for reinterpreting classic works for contemporary audiences. Set designer Gary McCann has worked with the Royal Opera House in the U.K. for many years. His designs are known for their grand scale and intricate mechanical structures.

Scenes from the English-language play “The Shawshank Redemption.”

Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 3-6 (Dec. 5-6 also at 3 p.m.)

Booking: WeChat account “PingShanTheatre”

Venue: Pingshan Theater, Pingshan District (坪山大剧院)

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Square Station (坪山广场站), Exit D1

SkyShuttle: Line 1 to Culture Center Station (文化聚落站), Exit A