In January 2026, Unlock Drama officially reached a major milestone. We have now delivered creative, theatre-based projects in 50 prisons across the UK.
This achievement marks over a decade of consistent delivery, long-term collaboration, and a deep commitment to using theatre as a meaningful tool in prison education, behavioural change and rehabilitation. It is a moment to reflect on how far we have come, and to look forward to what is still possible.
What This Milestone Represents
When Unlock Drama began in 2014, it was built on one clear belief. Theatre in prisons could be more than entertainment. It could be a space for reflection, growth, and genuine change.
Since then, our projects have supported:
- Men, women and young adults in custody
- Participants in both public and privately managed prisons
- Individuals working with substance misuse services, education teams, ISFL units, and mental health support
- People on short sentences, long-term sentences, remand, and pre-release
We have seen first-hand how theatre opens up communication, builds confidence, and helps people to think differently about themselves and their decisions.
Using Theatre to Support Learning, Insight and Change
Unlock Drama delivers issue-based theatre projects that explore real-life topics through improvisation, group work and performance. Our workshops create space for participants to build new skills while exploring complex themes.
Each project is tailored to the prison, the population and the needs of the group. Topics range from substance misuse and violence reduction to gang culture, mental health and peer influence.
Our approach promotes:
- Critical thinking and safer decision-making
- Peer discussion and collaboration
- Consequential thinking
- Victim awareness
- Creative self-expression
These projects often culminate in a performance or presentation that invites reflection and builds self-esteem. For many participants, it is the first time they have stood up and been heard without judgement.
Working Across the Prison Estate
Reaching 50 prisons reflects more than the scale of our delivery. It highlights how adaptable and responsive our work has become.
We have delivered in:
- Local, training and resettlement prisons
- Young adult units and adult male and female estates
- High-turnover sites and long-term facilities
- Mainstream education settings and specialist units
- Collaborations with Health and Justice providers, Learning and Skills teams, and Skills and Work departments
Each delivery has been shaped by the context. We work closely with prison staff to make sure the sessions fit the regime, the space and the cohort. Flexibility is key, but the quality and focus of the work remains constant.
Marking the 50th with HMP Bullingdon
Our 50th delivery is now live at HMP Bullingdon, where we are running a 10-week theatre residency in partnership with the establishment.
This residency includes ten separate projects, each focused on a different theme. The work supports a wide range of objectives within the prison, including education, wellbeing and safer custody.
Topics being explored include:
- Psychoactive substance awareness
- Gang culture
- Substance misuse and recovery
- Violence reduction
- Wellbeing and family-led interventions
Delivery is taking place across main wings, young adult cohorts and the ISFL unit. The focus remains on using theatre to engage, explore and equip participants with new ways of thinking and connecting.
Looking Ahead
Fifty prisons is a milestone that reflects years of consistent work, collaboration and care. But it is not the finish line. We are continuing to expand our reach, strengthen our partnerships and evolve our practice.
Our focus remains:
- Delivering high-quality, creative interventions across the justice system
- Embedding theatre into rehabilitation and education pathways
- Providing safe and inclusive spaces for learning and growth
- Supporting participants to build confidence and explore change
- Working in partnership with prison teams to support meaningful, purposeful activity
We are proud of the journey so far. We are even more excited about where it can go next.
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