We’re proud to share that our founder and CEO, Rebecca Boden, features in Episode 3 of the Stages of Justice podcast. This compelling series explores the intersections of justice, creativity, and social change in the UK.
In “Prisons in Crisis and the Role of Artists”, Rebecca appears alongside fellow artistic directors Esther Baker (Synergy) and Simon Ruding (TiPP), as well as former prison governor and inspector John Podmore. Together, they discuss the role of the arts inside prisons, and how creative work continues despite increasing systemic pressure.
A Journey Grounded in Experience
Rebecca’s path into applied theatre began in 2008 when she first encountered theatre in prison. That experience shaped the direction of her career. In 2012, while completing her master’s degree at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, she collaborated on her first Theatre in Prison Placement project with podcast host Sarah Bartley.
Their paths crossed again for this podcast episode, which made the conversation particularly meaningful.
In 2014, Rebecca founded Unlock Drama, a Community Interest Company committed to using applied theatre to support rehabilitation, self-expression, and personal growth. Since its inception, the company has delivered projects in over 40 prisons across the UK, reaching men, women and young people with drama-based workshops designed to build confidence, develop communication skills, and support personal change.
About the Podcast Episode
This episode of Stages of Justice explores the current pressures on the prison system, including overcrowding, staff shortages, underfunding, and deteriorating living conditions. Within that context, the conversation focuses on how artists and organisations continue to deliver meaningful creative work inside prisons, and why this work remains vital.
The panel shares reflections on the role of the arts in criminal justice, how the field has adapted, and what it means to create space for expression and imagination in a prison setting.
🎧 Listen to the episode:
Stages of Justice – Episode 3: Prisons in Crisis and the Role of Artists
Unlock Drama’s Role in the Sector
Unlock Drama uses applied theatre as a tool for rehabilitation. We deliver the following:
- Theatre in Prisons: Issue-based workshops in adult prisons, women’s prisons, and young offender institutions
- Theatre in the Community: Projects for people on probation, in recovery, or at risk of offending
- Youth-Focused Work: Programmes in Secure Children’s Homes and Pupil Referral Units
Each project is designed to build confidence, increase emotional awareness, and help participants reflect on their lives and choices. Whether we are exploring mental health, substance misuse, or strengthening family bonds, our approach is always participant-led and grounded in lived experience.
Why This Podcast Matters
This podcast is more than just a media feature. It places Unlock Drama in a wider national conversation about prisons, creativity, and justice.
We are grateful to Sarah Bartley for hosting this discussion, and for inviting Rebecca to share her insight and experience alongside respected voices from the sector.
This episode is a valuable listen for anyone interested in the current state of the UK prison system, the power of theatre in rehabilitation, or the ways creativity continues to inspire change under pressure.
