Penned Up

Can words be the great escape?

Welcome to HMP Ditchfield, where each week a group of prisoners are tasked with writing their own plays. But as creativity collides with authority, tensions rise, secrets unravel, and laughter turns to rebellion.

Witty, raw, and full of heart, Penned Up is a powerful celebration of storytelling, second chances, and the unexpected bonds that form behind bars.

Written by award winning playwright Danusia Iwaszko, who uses her more than 15 years' experience of teaching playwriting to prisoners to explore what life is actually like behind bars. Think Porridge meets Brassed Off - both a laugh riot and a gut-punch.

Written and directed by Danusia Iwaszko, designed by Madeleine Roberts and lighting designed by Tim Westerman.

Presented by The Hal Company in association with Suzanna Rosenthal Productions.