Our story

Founded over 20 years ago, Synergy creates ground-breaking work across theatre and the criminal justice system.  We believe that theatre can be transformative, change perceptions, and open up new possibilities towards a more positive future. We live in a world where some of the most disadvantaged are over-represented in the criminal justice system and our vision is to work through theatre towards a fairer world where those within or at risk of entering the criminal justice system can discover alternate pathways and become an integral and meaningful part of society.

Our programme of artistic work harnesses the energy and life experiences of those we work with – prisoners, ex-prisoners, young offenders, and young people at risk of offending – gives them a voice and, in doing so, their dignity back. We want to inspire change by capturing the imagination and affecting the feelings, behaviours and attitudes of participants and public, whilst doing our part to influence the arts and criminal justice sectors towards systemic change.

Our work provides practical opportunities which develop participants’ skills, capabilities, and resilience, builds a bridge from prison to social reintegration, provides vital support to rehabilitation, and seeks to prevent young people from entering the criminal justice system

Theatre productions

Theatre productions in prisons, theatres, schools, alternative provision and non-traditional venues

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Adults

Adult programme offering theatre-based training to prisoners and ex-prisoners leading to placements and employment

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Young people

Young people’s programme comprising touring productions, projects and workshops for young people at risk of offending led by artists and ex-prisoners

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Role play training

Role play training for criminal justice sector professionals led by ex-prisoner actor facilitators

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Awards

2024
Smiley Charity Film Awards
Gold Award
2024
Offies TYA: Writing
2023
Creative Circle Awards
Gold, Silver & Bronze
2022
London Youth Award
Shortlisted
2021
The Stage 100 Award
2021
Howard League Award
Highly Commended
2021
Kenneth Tynan Award
Shortlisted
2021
Criminal Justice Alliance Award
shortlisted
2015
Writer's Guild Award
2012
Brian Way Award
2000
Butler Trust Award

Member stories

Member storyKarl
Play
Member storyMichelle, Valentine, Bubs & Charlie
Play
Member storyTyrone
Play
You saved me not because you changed my life, but because your showed me that change was possible
Prisoner actor, Fallout

Our people

Staff

Esther Baker
Artistic Director
Jennie McClure
General Manager
Neil Grutchfield
New Writing Manager
Siân Henderson
Learning & Engagement Manager, Young People
Nisha Oza
Development Manager
Kit Withington
Learning & Engagement Manager, Adults
Karl Smith
Learning & Engagement Assistant, Adults
Shane Wheeler-Osman
Learning & Engagement Co-ordinator, Young People
Olivia Fraser
Progression and Pathways Co-ordinator, Young People

Trustees

Keshina Bouri
Paula Hamilton
Clióna Roberts
Tyrone Paul
Alison Porter
Ihsan Rahim
Deborah Samuel
Gaby Sumner

Patron

Martin McDonagh

Past productions

See all
2023

He Said She Said

2022

Dues

2022

One Off

★★★★
Maybe change starts with plays like this
Guardian, Girls Like That