Neurodiversity

Unlock Drama’s neurodiversity-focused projects harness the transformative power of theatre to empower participants with a range of complex needs across the prison estate. Delivered through an intensive four to four-and-a-half day model, our programmes support neurodivergent individuals — including those with autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, dyslexia, and learning difficulties — to build confidence, resilience, and social connection within a safe, creative space.

Our theatre-based approach enables participants to express themselves authentically, explore their strengths, and connect with others who may share similar experiences. Through drama techniques such as improvisation, role-play, and collaborative storytelling, participants reflect on their identities, emotions, and aspirations, using creativity as a tool for self-development and peer support.

Each project is tailored flexibly to the participants’ needs, allowing space for individual voices and experiences to shape the direction of the work. Themes often include understanding neurodiversity, celebrating personal strengths, managing anxiety, and building positive relationships. Participants are encouraged to take ownership of the process, developing a sense of agency, self-belief, and pride in their achievements.

Unlock Drama’s neurodiversity projects culminate in a peer-led final performance, where participants share devised work that captures their unique perspectives and journeys. These performances, delivered to audiences of staff and prisoners, spread awareness about neurodiversity from lived experience, challenge stigma, and foster greater empathy and inclusion across the wider prison community.

Unlock Drama works closely with Neurodiversity Support Leads and wider rehabilitation teams to ensure projects are fully integrated into each establishment’s regime. Our work helps ease staff pressures by providing structured, purposeful activity that engages hard-to-reach participants and promotes positive behaviour and wellbeing.

By focusing on empowerment, creativity, and inclusion, Unlock Drama contributes meaningfully to rehabilitation culture. Our projects help neurodivergent participants build the confidence and interpersonal skills needed to engage more fully in prison initiatives, education, training, and employment opportunities — supporting personal growth and positive progression both during custody and beyond release.