“I made something positive out of being in prison and I have done something, performed at The Royal Court in London, that people only dream of. It has changed me. It has made me look at life in a totally different way.”
Marlon, Actor
What was it?
In 2017, a group from HMP Springhill worked with a director, writer and producer to devise a play that was performed by them, while released on temporary licence, at the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court Theatre.
Cast Feedback
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This project has honestly opened up a new world of possibilities. I’m not sure if you even understand how empowering the work that you do is….keep going because you are changing lives, FACT!!!!!
Ricardo, performer
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I’ve been a prisoner a long time. Sometimes I get a chip on my shoulder that those outside don’t understand us. I was determined that this play should show us in a light that was not stereotypical. At the Royal Court, we were treated like human beings, people were interested in what I had to say. To know there are good people out there gives you the inspiration to keep going. We can’t help the cards we are dealt with but you can choose how you play them.
Marc, performer
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This has lifted our spirits. When you’re inside you lose a bit of your personality but through this experience I have gained some strength. We’ve met people from different worlds, different social strata, it makes us feel we could go anywhere, all things are possible. It’s about finding that inspiration and this project has given it to me.
Andy, performer