Take away the famous boiled egg-eating scene and the interpolated gospel songs and there’s not much else going for Emma Reeves’ flashback adaptation of the novel by Donn Pearce which spawned the 1967 film starring Paul Newman.
Marc Warren puts in a decent performance as the defiant, decorated Second World War veteran condemned to serve time on a Florida chain gang for decapitating parking meters – and manfully disposes of those eggs with a combination of comic aplomb and sleight of hand.
But neither his serial attempts to escape – nor the clash of wills with Richard Brake’s sadistically menacing guard who’s determined to “git his mind right” – really justify this bitty and ultimately unnecessary stage version.
Aldwych, Aldwych WC2B 4DF (0844 847 2429) Tube: Covent Garden/ Charing Cross aldwychtheatrelondon.info Until November 19 (£15-£45.00)
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