Review: Penned Up, Greenwich Theatre

HMP Ditchfield, the fictionalised English prison in which Penned Up is set, offers its inmates the opportunity to be re-educated through various classes and workshops. Dorota (Rebecca Peyton), a writer and teacher, hosts a playwriting course, which challenges the group of participants to write a play for a showcase at the prison. Aside from learning how to write and construct plots, characters and dialogue, the men experience varying levels of growth and healing as a result. 

Each prisoner’s story is explored, each with a distinctly different cultural background, including religious beliefs, and a unique set of circumstances behind their crimes. Frankie (Heydn McCabe), an East End geezer and seasoned thief, along with Finlay (Geir Madland), an antagonising, pedantic Scotsman, are the eldest of the bunch. The rest of the group are made up by Ed (Liam Watson), a young Liverpudlian with ADHD, Mo (Shelley McDonald), a kind natured, closested gay man, Ben (Ashton Owen), a camp, private school educated drug dealer and Jermaine (Ntabiso J. Bhebhe), a young father, plagued by guilt for leaving his wife and son behind. Each man has their own obstacles to face and overcome. Prison guard Mike (Chris Clarkson) is an amusing and nicely developed side character. At first, rigid in his belief that prisoners cannot be reformed, he eventually joins the group during the second act and even has his own play featured in the showcase. 

Staged within a metal frame structure with a door, resembling a cage, Madeleine Roberts’ design is on the nose yet effective. Dorota’s character development questions flank the stage. At the centre, ‘Who am I?’, surrounded by other questions including ‘what time is it?’ and ‘what are my obstacles and how do I overcome them?’. These cleverly form the structure of the first act, when the men begin writing their plays, and also interweave with the journey of each character. 

The subject matter is something that writer and director Danusia Iwaszko knows firsthand. Her 15 years of experience in delivering writing workshops to prisoners bring an undisputable sense of reality to both the backstories of each prisoner and the dialogue throughout. Iwaszko nails the depiction of a writer and drama teacher through Dorota. The central theme is how the course changes the men taking part, with Dorota’s teaching encouraging them to tap into their creativity and manage their present pain. It’s a thought-provoking message, stressing the importance of personal and professional development for prisoners. 

Character work is impressive; everyone feels lived in and has depth. Watson’s Ed and McCabe’s Frankie are delightful. Bhebhe’s strong portrayal of Jermaine’s personal growth is a highlight. Peyton’s Dorota is empathetic and passionate about her work; she has seen the good it does and is driven to produce positive results. When teaching, Peyton is at her most compelling, but has a tendency to rely on one note in other scenes.

Thematically, much is explored. Religion, sexuality, class and trauma are all brought to the table, with characters encountering conflict due to their opposing life experiences, eventually finding common ground. Ultimately, there’s too much.  This show would pack a lot more punch if it were condensed by 20 minutes or so. The scene transitions also became a little monotonous. 

Iwaszko has hit a home run in terms of messaging and themes, and has crafted an inspiring piece, essentially a culmination of years of work and anecdotes, backed by a talented cast. With a shorter run time and tweaking of the transitions, it could be a lot slicker, and therefore much more effective. 

Writer & Director: Danusia Iwaszko
Designer: Madeleine Roberts
Lighting designer: Tim Westerman
Producer: The Hal Company

Penned Up has completed its performances at Greenwich Theatre but is midway through a UK tour