Transforming Lives Through Applied Theatre

The Unlock Drama group came to HMP Deerbolt for the first time earlier in the year. Prior to their arrival I had discussions about the profile of the men they were able to deliver to and I was absolutely delighted when they expressed their passion for working with the most difficult to reach prisoners who had a dependency on drugs and alcohol. Several prisoners were selected, they were nervous about their first day, some thought they wouldn’t be able to copy in a drama workshop environment for 4.5 days. Each day I saw the men they were really enthusiastic about the workshop, they said ‘I have never experienced anything like this in my life, not even in school’, ‘I thought this was going to be a waste of my time but I am absolutely loving this’, ‘When will this next be in the prison as I want to let my mates know to apply for it, it is Wicked’. At the end of the week the prisoners put on a performance to express their journey of trauma, abuse, desperation, being stigmatised, loss of hope, significant relationships, an awareness of the support available and the outcome was profound for the staff watching the production. Prisoners who were once withdrawn presented with confidence and pride. They were different people and one even said ‘I can’t believe how much I feel like my normal self after just a few days. It was an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be in the audience and experience their journey. Thank you Unlock Drama!

Unlock Drama’s work at HMP Hull has been one of the most impactful and uplifting interventions I have seen in my time working in custody. Their team brought an atmosphere of warmth, safety and genuine humanity into an environment where men often feel guarded, isolated, and stripped of confidence. Over the course of the week, I watched participants arrive unsure, anxious, or withdrawn and leave with visible pride, connection, and belief in themselves.

The facilitators created a space where every man felt seen and valued. Many of the participants spoke about “feeling human again,” forming friendships, and finding the confidence to express themselves without fear of judgement. For some, it was the first time in years they had laughed freely, taken creative risks, or felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable. The shift in group dynamics was striking: barriers dropped, support for one another grew, and men who barely knew each other at the start were working together with trust and enthusiasm.

The final performance was genuinely moving. Staff saw the men in a completely different light—capable, creative, reflective, and proud. The participants’ ownership of their stories, especially around substance misuse, demonstrated courage and insight that will stay with them long after the project.

Unlock Drama deliver more than drama workshops. They deliver hope, confidence, and a sense of possibility. Their work makes a measurable difference to rehabilitation, wellbeing, and the culture of the prison. I would welcome them back without hesitation

Yesterday, I had the privilege of witnessing something unexpectedly, truly powerful.

I watched a group of men in prison perform a play about addiction, crime, and the path to recovery. This wasn’t just a performance—it gave so much insight in terms of their vulnerability, courage, and transformation.

The project was facilitated by Unlock Drama, an incredible organisation that uses theatre to support rehabilitation within the criminal justice system. Amazingly, they had only one week to create and rehearse the entire piece.

In just five days, they came together, admitting to me that many of them only signed each other up for a laugh, to write, rehearse, and perform a play based on real experiences. The result was honest, emotional, and human.

Even more impressive was the growth behind the scenes. We had the chance to ask questions afterwards and it was clear this experience had helped them build:
• Confidence
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Emotional resilience
• Courage to share different stories and show their most vulnerable sides
• Empathy for each other and victims of crime

The morning was a useful reminder that with the right tools and support, people can grow and change. The shift they demonstrated over a week was brilliant.

Huge respect to the participants and to Unlock Drama for the work they do every day.

I have thoroughly enjoyed having Ana and Victoria as facilitators from Unlock Drama at HMP Elmley. All cohorts were delighted with their experience and the professionalism and dedication to get these prisoners through the week was wonderful. ‍Each of the cohorts that has been completed were unique and often brought challenges. But these were always overcome and the final morning with the presentation was always well performed, and an enormous sense of pride and achievement came from the prisoners.‍Thank you to you all for everything and for giving our prisoners a voice to show that being Neurodivergent does not always need to inhibit you from achieving new things.

I did 5 of your courses in HMP Lindholme and really enjoyed it so much.
I believe the courses changed my life and made me the man I am today.
Keep up the good work and thank you guys, you are amazing. 
I don’t think you fully realise how them courses changed me and made me a better person.
I would recommend this to anyone.
I had fun whilst learning new skills and you made us all feel so comfortable.
Honest to God thank you to all I worked with.

Had the pleasure of meeting Becky and her staff from Unlock Drama when I was at HMP Rochester back in 2015. I took part in some of their substance abuse courses, which aided me in my recovery and helped me stay clean and focus on the future. ‍

I also worked on a drama project with Unlock Drama as part of Black History Month, which I later turned into a full play, which I put on in the community after release, and which received great feedback from within the wider community who came to watch. ‍

Working with Unlock Drama I found gives you more belief in yourself. I became a lot more positive within myself, and I learnt to work alongside others in a positive way, which better equipped me for life after prison and within the community. ‍

Whilst in the community I also participated in one of Unlock Drama’s training days in Milton Keynes. Here I met other facilitators, drama therapists etc and I was able to share firsthand my experience of the transformations of theatre in prison. Everyone was so appreciative to hear it from someone with lived experience and it was really humbling to be a part of.‍

I couldn't recommend participating with Unlock Drama any more than I do; they are a great company to work with, and the benefits are numerous. More confidence, a better understanding of yourself, and numerous life skills like working as part of a group and challenging yourself to work on projects that you may have never imagined doing before of which the rewards personally are numerous. ‍

I have been in the community for eight years now after a very long time in prison and working with Unlock Drama without a doubt helped me to move forwards with more confidence and a better understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses. I can’t thank Becky and the team at Unlock Drama any more than I do, and I would recommend working alongside them to anyone.

Here at HMP/YOI Portland, we have worked with the Unlock Drama team, in particular Rebecca Boden over the last few months running 4 projects including NPS, Debt, Violence Reduction, and Gang Culture awareness.

Initially it was difficult to gain the engagement and commitment from both the prison staff and the residents, as it was perceived “just a drama group” as opposed to realising the importance behind this type of intervention that helps and supports to address the risks linked to Offending Behaviour.

Watching the participant’s confidence grow over the week and during the performance has been inspiring and satisfying. To observe these individuals receiving positive feedback from staff and residents watching the performance has been rewarding for all parties. Each performance sent out a powerful message to all, about the impact of their behaviour on themselves, their families, and the victims, and how making better decisions can change the outcome for everyone.

Rebecca and her team’s dedication have aided engagement and enthusiasm from the participants; this has been demonstrated through their interaction and support for each other throughout the projects and also their offered encouragement towards one another on the performance days. Feedback quotes generated from the participants on completion of the projects included;

“If you can say no to spice, it can have a positive impact on your life”

“Debt has severe consequences, causes misery, death, and makes prison harder. Awareness needs to be spread”

“It showed me how violence can have a ripple effect and helped me to diffuse a violent situation”

“It stops your kids getting involved with gangs and violence”

“Doing this course has got me out of my cell and made me force myself to have contact with others which I need to do”

“This course has helped my anxiety and given me confidence”

“Understanding that I can take control of my life and change my own destiny”

Since completing these Unlock Drama projects, I have received a great deal of interest from residents wishing to take part in the projects, which is a great response and testament to our hard work. Our Governor is very supportive of these projects and is keen to commission more during the next financial year. I look forward to working with Rebecca and her team again in the future.

The Library and Turning Point (substance misuse) team worked with organisation Unlock Drama facilitators Rebecca Boden, Ameer Choudrie and Shannon Bundock over a period of five days in March 2019 to run an awareness project about Psychoactive Substances Awareness (NPS). There were eight prisoner participants in total including those who were undergoing substance misuse recovery programmes offered from Turning Point and orderlies who worked in the Library.

I supervised the majority of the rehearsals in conjunction with staff from Turning Point and attended the final performances. At first I believed it would have been difficult to have prisoners engage with such an activity, thinking they may have perceived the project as being a “silly drama group” as opposed to trying to help people understand the risks and behaviour that is linked to using or being around NPS. However, Rebecca and her team did well to engage with the prisoners, add enthusiasm to the groups and inject a strong message to the audience about the consequence of NPS. The drama facilitators and prisoners had a collective goal and worked well together to help raise awareness about such an important issue. Over the five day period, I got to see how the prisoners participating grew in confidence and how much enjoyment took from it.‍

The final performances highlighted what impact NPS has on not only the prisoner but other people around them including their families and how making better decisions can change the outcome for everyone. This was demonstrated through the group’s interaction, support and encouragement of one another in rehearsals and in the final performances. I got to see how much effort the team put into working with on-another to ensure the performances went smoothly, building trust and camaraderie. It gave participants a sense of escapism in that some commented they did not feel like they were inside a prison during the sessions.

Since completing the Unlock Drama project we have had positive feedback from staff and inmates regarding how well the performance went and that it was a positive message to send out to those who are affected by NPS. As a result of this performance, we have had some prisoners requesting future collaborative projects the Library and Turning Point might hold to promote further messages about substance misuse within the prison.

To summarise, I enjoyed supervising the team and look forward to hopefully working with them again in the future.

My view from focus groups, hard data and analysis of trends is that the presence of drugs seeks to undermine stability, safety and ability for people in our care to concentrate on reducing their risk of offending for successful reintegration.

Triggers for violence and self-harming conduct in many of our prisons sits with Drugs – drugs breed a presence of mobile phone use, debt, debt related violence amongst prisoners, extortion and violence against staff or the regime.

Drugs effect the mental and physical wellbeing of some in our care and prevents them taking up opportunities to reduce their risk of reoffending upon release.

I asked for 2 of our recent events to centre on the presence of drugs in prisons and another on debt related violence – both of these issues span across a number of key issues which we are trying to address.

Attendance at the first event was a challenge as we nominated prisoners who had been difficult to engage alongside prisoners who wanted to engage; the early stages of building trust did see some men remove themselves as they just were not ready; regardless of that outcome, it was incredibly powerful for them to experience how working within groups in this manner could draw out their potential vulnerabilities. The individuals who remained gave their absolute best, they let themselves be vulnerable to each other, they shared stories (good and bad) and they bonded in a way we couldn’t envisage.

The second event saw us with over 40 applicants – perhaps indicative of how successful and powerful the previous group had been; it was equally fun (fun in a prison!!!) and brought a random group of men with little in common together, this group shared how their drug experience has affected their families and friends and how it can affect the lives of men in custody – the performance was vibrant with a sombre outcome but held a message of hope.

The ‘ask’ from myself was met perfectly – the outcome was as predicted but to hear the group perform in their words, what we believe is our biggest threat made me want to keep going, despite how hard it has been and to keep supporting others, even those who don’t look like they need our help!

Unlock drama attended the prison earlier this year to work with a group of identified men who volunteered to give drama a go, having no previous experience.

Around twelve men were identified, and naturally after the first day, some did not remain for the duration as they were unwilling to push their personal boundaries and/or felt embarrassed.

The remainder of the group did push their own boundaries and began to gel as a group, developing an understanding of each other and working well together as a team as the week went on. The men supported each other throughout, as is prison life in general, some encountered difficulties along the way but were supported by their peers, staff and facilitators. The men came together as a group and stated they had found a new circle of friends, their understanding of how to express their diverse and eclectic experiences started to develop and their acting skills improved as the week progressed. They developed an understanding of how to express their feelings and stated that this was the best recovery treatment they had ever received as it kept them engaged, occupied and part of a bigger team.

At the conclusion of the week the remaining men performed their chosen topics to staff from the prison and other prisoners, including those who did not remain for the whole week. The men who had originally been invited and did not remain expressed their regret at not pushing their boundaries and taking part. The staff were emotional at what they had witnessed and interested to ask questions of the men and how the week had been for them. The men involved were excited and appeared really rewarded by their achievements, they spoke openly about their initial trepidation and feeling of achievement at the conclusion. For me as a Recovery Coordinator, I felt rewarded to have supported the men to attend through the week, and saw a real difference in the men that took part, it was a pleasure to be involved.

Unlock Drama delivered a 4.5 intensive Smoking Cessation project with 18-21 year olds from our supported living unit. A number of the participants had complex needs such as anxiety and mental health issues.

The Unlock Drama teams programme was well suited to the participants and had beneficial outcomes such as; raised confidence and self-esteem.

The course culminated in a two final performances which were shown to the Senior Management Team. The plays highlighted all issues associated with a smoke free prison and how it can be seen as an opportunity and have positive outcomes. The participants delivered believable and professional performances and all staff were engaged and impressed with their achievements.

I felt the course was worthwhile and it was a pleasure to have Unlock Drama in.

I have sat through a number of sessions during this week and I must say I am very impressed. Rebecca Frances Boden and Vicki Stanley have brought together 6 inmates who have never before associated with each other before and turned them into a group of guys with a thirst to achieve.

It has been a pleasure to be apart of the team!!

I would highly recommend the girls as they really do have a talent of bringing out the best in people.

Unlock Drama delivered a two month Performing Arts residency at our prison HMYOI Werrington. The focus of the drama workshops were centred on Violence Reduction. The Unlock Drama team worked with our hardest to reach young people on Outreach. Young people on the Outreach programme are excluded from education due to high risk behaviours such as: fighting, vandalism, abusive language, threats to staff and other young people.

The Unlock Drama team cared greatly about our young people and this was evident in every session delivered. Each workshop was tailor-made so that every young person could reach their full potential. The workshops enabled: increased confidence/self-esteem, positive well-being, improved interpersonal skills, consequential thinking techniques, improved decision making skills and effective approaches of how to deal with situations triggering violence.

Young people who took part in Unlock Drama’s projects stated the following:

“I have learnt what my triggers are that lead to violence and how to combat them effectively”

“Drama is beneficial for young people because it can build confidence”

“It is important to raise awareness about violence because it can reduce violence”

“I’ve seen the other guys do more than they’d do anywhere else – they would not be like that on the wings or anywhere”

One young person told a member of staff that he now understands the importance of choosing who influences his decision making carefully, especially with regard to who speaks positively and negatively into his life. He identified that violence leaves mental scarring that cannot be escaped easily and suggested that processing trauma caused by being involved in violent situations might help reduce instances of violent behaviour caused by fear.

Unlock Drama’s hands-on approach to learning enabled the challenging young people who sometimes cannot even see one session through in education to maintain engagement and focus, contributing to discussions and practical roleplays alike. By working with, rather than against, the specific needs of participants (such as short attention spans and a need to let off physical steam), the Unlock Drama team enabled the young people to complete a full week’s project without a need for exclusion or sanctions.It has been an absolute pleasure to host Unlock Drama. I would highly recommend their services across the prison estate. We hope to use their services again.

We spent a lot of time during this course with the drama group and this was a joint project with the chaplaincy department who also assisted with supervising. The prisoners themselves were an excellent group who bonded over the week and were encouraged by the facilitators to be supportive of each other.

The material covered was very relevant and the play they wrote and performed was excellent and very real.

Some comments from the group members from themselves include:

“I’ve gained a lot more confidence with myself”

“I was worried about doing the play but as the week went on I was looking forward to doing it and glad the staff liked it”

“I can say all the sessions I enjoyed very well and I would do it again”

“Personally I gained a lot of confidence and self-belief, also I gained life skills and will find it easier in group sessions in the future”

“I felt incredibly proud not only for myself but my peers as well, it was a good team effort”

When performing the play to a small audience, in attendance were the deputy governor of HMP Hindley and heads of department as well as some staff from the safer custody department. This was very well received, in particular by the deputy governor who encouraged a second performance to which the number 1 governor of HMP Hindley attended and the inspectors. The head of healthcare stated the play “really affected me” due to the issues portrayed.

The deputy governor has expressed his interest in this being performed to further groups of uniform staff to watch and also to film this to show to new staff at induction into the establishment. This shows how well received the project was.

The facilitators were excellent and engaged very well with what, at times, can be a difficult group of group members. They were well liked and respected by all.

We will definitely be looking into another drama group for the future. Thank you very much.

Unlock Drama, led by Rebecca Boden, has delivered three NPS Awareness courses at HMP The Mount between December 2016 and February 2017. The feedback from those prisoners attending has been the most positive that I have heard from any course delivered here by an external provider. The theatre techniques that Rebecca uses to get the group engaging with the facilitators and each other, works with all individuals. Any prisoners who are reluctant at the start of the course are soon drawn in and once started, they all complete the week. Prisoners have expressed surprise at themselves, with their improved confidence and team spirit.

The prisoners increased awareness and knowledge of the negative effects of NPS, and the ripples from its misuse, has given them the skills to challenge and divert their peers away from NPS use. Each cohort has been made up of prisoners from different wings, mixed ages, social & cultural backgrounds, NPS users and non-smokers. Every group has reported that they have created unexpected friendships and will continue to support each other in the future.

I have been impressed with the respect, commitment, empathy and enthusiasm that the prisoners have shown throughout their week courses. The week long course culminates in a performance by the prisoners which has been seen by staff from different areas of the prison, healthcare, security, safer custody, RAPt and many more. Staff have been able to see the worth of the course for themselves especially when prisoners that they are working with change their attitude and focus to that of something far more positive. Most of the prisoners are reluctant and nervous when they discover that they are doing a play, but they have all ended up thoroughly enjoying it and want to do it again.

Rebecca should feel very proud of the positive impact that herself, her team and her programme are having on the lives of prisoners who are trying to turn their lives around. The NPS awareness project definitely supports and encourages the rehabilitative culture that we are trying to generate here at HMP The Mount.

Please pass on my thanks to all involved.

Today I sat in the play about NPS delivered by the drama group. I didn’t know what to expect, the play started and at first I feared that it was a bunch of prisoners making fun of the of the prison system and the staff, how wrong I was.‍

It was nice to see a bunch of prisoners who in normal prison life would probably not give the time of day to each other getting along. The message soon became apparent that the play centres around the effects that NPS has and the consequences that occur about the use of it. What was more uplifting was that the group really appeared to take on board the message that they can change their lives and that prisoners are taking responsibility for their own rehabilitation. I really got that they enjoyed the week they had. It was a very interesting theme that, in my mind would be hugely beneficial to a wider group which should include uniform staff, governors and more importantly other prisoners.

I can see that this type of drama workshop has a benefit in addressing re-offending and has a positive feel and made me realise that prisoners know what we are up against at times.

Please pass on my thanks to all involved.

Had the pleasure of working alongside Unlock Drama when they came to HMP Holme House to deliver their NPS Awareness Project.‍

The programme is a fun and hands on way for the men to learn about NPS and raise awareness within the establishment about a subject that is current and relevant to each individual as they are all in some way effected by NPS.‍

The level of energy brought by the unlock Drama team was outstanding. All of the men who attended the project were very much involved and were flourishing in self-confidence by the end of the week.‍

During evaluations all of the men stated that they had really enjoyed the project and they each felt they were taking something away from it whether it be confidence, more awareness or increased motivation and they felt that it would be beneficial for other prisoners to have the opportunity to do the project.

A big thank you on behalf of DART – HMP Holme House.

Unlock Drama is an arts organisation with a difference, it tailors programmes to wherever they need to be, ensuring content is appropriate and meets the needs of all participants. Unlock Drama uses drama as a tool for empowerment and invites individuals to participate in a unique process.‍

When I get the opportunity to freelance for Unlock Drama I feel completely comfortable. Becky Boden was at the beginning of my prison theatre journey and helped shape the prison drama facilitator I am now. The detail and time she spent with me as a facilitator is the same amount of effort she puts into everything she delivers, ensuring everyone in the space is safe and trusts the process.

In many of the projects that Unlock Drama delivers, time is spent devising a performance piece which encapsulates the whole process. This allows groups to showcase work and for multiple agencies to witness participants’ capabilities and developing knowledge.

Arts has been highlighted recently as a necessity within prison interventions delivered. Becky’s projects are a necessity which need to be utilised.

Whenever I have the time, I would deliver Unlock Drama projects at the drop of a hat. It’s a special process which always stays with me.

I met Becky, Kat and Rachel from the truly inspirational team that is Unlock Drama when they came to Rochester prison in September 2015 to work with the men here on a drama project regarding NPS (New Psychoactive Substances). I am currently working alongside them again on a piece of drama for Black History Month.

Unlock Drama’s workshops look at current, relative issues regarding the Criminal Justice System; then challenges the topic by way of drama. It is character building for all who take part, motivational and gives the audience a different perspective.It has been a true honour and privilege to meet and work with Unlock Drama.

Unlock Drama delivered a NPS (New Psychoactive Substances) Awareness Project at HMP/YOI Rochester in September 2015. NPS is an increasing issue particularly in the custodial settings. It was extremely beneficial to utilise the tailor-made service Unlock Drama offer to tackle the issue of NPS. This project explored the current issues surrounding NPS within the Criminal Justice System (CJS). This was commissioned by NHS England. Using the medium of drama it enabled the participants to gel quickly and tackle issue-based subjects within a safe working environment. This therefore meant that the amount of work produced was of a high quality within such a short period of time.

Unlock Drama used their knowledge of working with groups of prisoners within the CJS which shined through in every aspect of their work. Workshops are carefully planned to enable participants to get the most out of every session. It was evident that each and every individual involved in this project revelled in the experience and gained heightened confidence and self-esteem. Participants also achieved increased interpersonal skills such as: communication, team-building and leadership. A Peer Mentor participant wrote the following in their post project evaluation “everyone has come out of their shells and gained immense confidence.”

Unlock Drama created a final performance focused on the use of NPS in prisons. This play explored the following issues: short term side effects of NPS, long term side effects of NPS and how its use affects families and prison staff. The performance included current issues that are being faced at HMP/YOI Rochester. After the negative effects of NPS were shown, Unlock Drama remade scenes to show what positive choices could have been made which included support available within HMP/YOI Rochester. Staff including the Governor Andy Hudson and prisoners watched the final performance and the feedback was outstanding. A participant gave this project a 10 out of 10 in their post project evaluation and the reason behind this was because “it highlights the situations of NPS. It raises awareness of the NPS situation.”

Unlock Drama produced a final performance that raised awareness about NPS with the aim of preventing prison populations from using such substances. The play was hard hitting, emotive and powerful. I would highly recommend Unlock Drama’s services and hope to run another project in the near future. A participant stated in their post project evaluation if there was anything they would change about the project, they stated “it should be longer. Put on a show for the prison and prisoners, this project should be on a larger scale”. HMP/YOI Rochester hope that this is just the beginning of several interventions being put in place to enable such a topic, as NPS, to be explored further and in turn reach out to even more of the prison population.

The final performance was filmed by our in house film project with a view to using excerpts for induction for all prisoners.In my view the project was fantastically run, well organised and focused week that delivered the message more powerfully than I could of hoped. It was developed and delivered by prisoners who really understand the impact of NPS in their community.

I am sure we will be using Unlock Drama in the future to assist in developing other projects.

Unlock Drama ran full-time Performing Arts provisions at HMYOI Wetherby for a four month period from January 2015. Within this time-frame Unlock Drama worked with over 60 young people aged 15-17. The young people enrolled in the Performing Arts provisions were of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities and learning abilities. Unlock Drama ensured that each and every session was carefully structured to enable each individual participating to reach their full potential. The sessions encouraged high engagement and created a safe working environment which the young people responded extremely well to. Unlock Drama’s hands-on approach to learning was well received by our young people. It was wonderful to watch our young people come out of their shells.

Unlock Drama’s specialised Drama Facilitators were flexible and adaptable. The facilitators could quickly gauge the group’s mood and would think on their feet tailoring each session appropriately ensuring positive outcomes. Working within a young offenders institute can be an extremely challenging environment, through Unlock Dramas specially tailored skills they were able to navigate each session, ensuring the young people gained as much as they possibly could from each session.

The Performing Arts provisions included confidence and interpersonal skills building and issue-based theatre. The issue-based theatre explored crime and consequences of actions through the medium of drama. This encouraged consequential thinking, self-awareness, empathy and decision making skills.

Post project evaluations were filled out and raised confidence was one of the key outcomes. Young people stated “I’m more confident in myself and when I stand up and speak out loud”, “more confidence and relationships” and “more confident about myself”. Interpersonal skills were also a noticeable outcome. Young people wrote “I can work in a group and do work”; “working in a team has made a change” and “I’m more involved with others”.

It was wonderful to see HMYOI Wetherby’s young people who came into the sessions introverted and unwilling become so enthused by the issue-based drama that they began self-exploring and directing scenes independently and engaged incredibly well. It was a joy to behold.

When asked if the young people would recommend this course to others 90% said yes. Young people stated that they would recommend this course for the following reasons: “you can work in a group like you would in real life”, “because it’s fun and good learning”, “yes I would because if they are not very confident their confidence will grow” and “it is a fun and helpful course for self-confidence.”

I would highly recommend Unlock Drama and I hope that HMYOI Wetherby can use their services again soon.

In a highly demanding and challenging environment, Rebecca’s Unlock Drama programme provides a creative, well-structured and relevant contribution to the rehabilitative work already ongoing in prisons.

Unlock Drama’s most recent ‘Restoring Family Ties’ project provided upbeat and engaging workshops that focused on the importance of maintaining familial contact and networks whilst in custody.

Rebecca’s passion and motivation, both theatrically and morally, are a resounding reason for the successes of her groups.Her unassuming attitude in delivery ensures she gets the most out of her candidates and whilst developing them in performing arts, asks them to challenge their ideals, consider others’ views and to graduate the course not only as more confident individuals, but as better informed, better connected husbands, fathers, brothers. It is these often-undervalued soft skills that make Rebecca’s Unlock Drama superb and I look forward to working again with her in the future.

Unlock Drama delivered a ‘Gang Culture’ project at HMP Bristol in November/December 2015. Drama Facilitators worked with incarcerated participants raising confidence, self-esteem and interpersonal skills. Once the group had gelled and learnt appropriate drama skills such as improvisation the issue-based theatre could begin.‍

Unlock Drama used discussion based activities, role-play and scenarios to explore gang culture. Collating all the information from the participants enabled the facilitators to create scenes showing the negative effects/consequences of gang culture on individuals, family, partners, prison officers and society.

The facilitators used a technique called ‘Forum Theatre’ to revisit the play. The participants used consequential thinking to look at each scene and show what positive decisions could have been made enabling positive outcomes.

The negative play titled ‘Street Life Drama’ was performed to VIP guests such as the High Sheriff of Bristol, the Governor Steve Cross and Lorna Stark Head of Reducing Reoffending etc. Their reaction and pride towards the participant’s efforts were outstanding. The audience were blown away with how much they managed to achieve within such a short two week period.It was a true wonder to watch the participants gain confidence, skills and reevaluated their choices. Unlock Drama certainly do stick to their tag line and whole heartedly ‘Unlock Potential’.

I would highly recommended Unlock Drama and hope to use their services again very soon.

Rebecca is a cheerful, confident and competent person whose infectious enthusiasm permeates up through everything she does.Her sessions are lively and varied and designed to gently push people out of their comfort zones while still allowing them to do as much or as little as they feel comfortable with. She seems to have a bottomless pit of new ideas and activities and the session really flows.

Our residents have really benefitted from attending her classes on so many levels. By taking them to places that they would never normally go in their day to day lives, it has put them back in touch with themselves and put them more in touch with each other. The difference in people before and after a session is staggering. Everyone comes away feeling stimulated, energised and generally much better about themselves. It’s a shame that you cant bottle the effect that Rebeccas sessions have on people.

The lads who have engaged have really valued the opportunity to engage in something a little different.

We gave a lot of praise to the 2 remaining lads from the first group who didn’t join in the fight and Beth linked this into the content, and when one of them was presented with a risky situation the following week he walked away from this as he was so proud of himself the first time. The lads who were ‘kicked off’ the first group were really disappointed, which just goes to show how much they were enjoying it.

The second group surprised us all, and we were blown away with how much they all came out of their shells – I asked them all what they had taken from the week, and they shared that they were far more confident, really felt that it had had a huge impact on their well-being to do something creative and had regained their senses of humour in what has been quite a dark. This will be used as a springboard to motivate them to engage in regime more.

It’s been great to see such positive impacts’

Unlock Drama have provided Swinfen Hall with a fantastic opportunity for our young men in our care to learn new skills, integrate with one another and build confidence and self-esteem through the use of drama. We have specifically chosen hard hitting topics that engage our young men and Unlock Drama have been brilliant in tailoring sessions to our specific needs and of course putting on excellent productions at the end of it, showcasing to staff, other offenders and family members. One of our courses involved young men who would isolate themselves from other individuals and at the end of the course these young men had built up relationships and confidence to be able to reintegrate back into our regime and the community within the establishment. 

Unlock Drama’s work is invaluable to us at Swinfen Hall and we have created a relaxed and effective working relationship with mutual benefits to all. The continuation of the partnership would give our prison population a creative outlet in what has been a really challenging time with limited interactions and ways of communicating and expressing emotions during Covid 19.

The Unlock Drama day was excellent! The three women who facilitated the group were engaging and encouraged the men to participate, and all the men appeared to thoroughly enjoy the day. The programme began with a few easy ice breaker type activities/games, then there were some improv activities where the residents were given a brief, two sentence prompt, and then they were able to run with it. After the lunch, there was some more games to get the residents re-engaged.

The facilitators were flexible and able to adapt the activities to the circumstances on the day, which made the activities incredibly beneficial to the residents in attendance.

The men really enjoyed the acting scene activities, not only acting the scenario, but also having autonomy in what they created. This was an excellent activity, which the residents spoke highly of for weeks after.