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.
- John, Past Participant, Unlock Drama
