What was it?
This was a MAGNIFY project where over 5 weeks fifteen men from HMP Springhill devised an original pantomime. There were 5 performances to over 300 residents, staff, family and friends.
This was our first collaboration with the Irene Taylor Trust who worked with the men to compose original music and songs for the show. Staff and residents from HMP Springhill helped transform their Association Room into a magical setting with a starry night sky.
Industry professionals involved in the running of the project were Jason York (actor), Daran Johnson (writer), Marcus Clarke (puppeteer), and Divya Osbon and Ros Claire (set and costume). The show was directed by Holly Race Roughan (seen below testing the set and costume).
Listen to some of the songs
Cast Feedback
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I have been incarcerated for 13 years now and I have never been on a project where I have laughed so much. I enjoyed seeing people come together from different backgrounds, working with the same enthusiasm to create something brilliant. I was encouraged to push myself to a point where I felt I really excelled. It allowed me to develop and identify skills I didn’t know I had, it has opened up a new world in terms of what I would like to do with my life.
Noel, performer
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What I take away is the knowledge that we can do things differently – that we can drop our guard and be normal and human. I have been in jail a long time and it’s been a treat to see softness and emotion come through and the joy in people’s hearts in taking part.
Dan, musician
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I’ve enjoyed it more than any of you can know. I’ve done something I never thought possible – bought something to life that we wrote ourselves for our families, especially as I know how difficult life can be for them. In this pit of despair that is prison, this project has been a beam of sunshine in all our lives. I’ve loved being able to give people a breathe of fresh air. Everyone is special and talented in their own way and this project has shown us that.
Connell, performer
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Looking at the faces of the kids today I could see they were tuned in and entranced. It was a great feeling that it was us who was doing that. Today for the first time I forgot I was in prison. I’ve never done group work before and doing this made me realise I’m good at it. I’m definitely going to try doing more.
Jay, performer