HMP SEND 2011
r a g u S
ent The priso ners & staff of HMP Send and Pimlico Opera pres
e Like it H ot m o S f o l a c t he musi
Book by Peter Stone based on the screenplay by Billy Wilder & I.A.L.Diamond Based on the novel by Prosper MĂŠrimĂŠe and a story by Robert Thoeren Music Jule Styne
Lyrics by Bob Merrill
Book and Lyrics by David Badger
Adapted and arranged by Bobbie Field
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Produced for Broadway by David Merrick, directed & choreographed by Gower Champion: By arrangement with MusicScope / Stage Musicals of New York
Fri 25 Feb – Sun 6 Mar 2011
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J Paul Getty Jnr Charit able Found ation Anonymous Capital International Limited The Ingram Tru st John Coates Charit able Tru st
The Saintbury Tru st Lord Harris of Peckham Jane & Richard Lewis The Linbury Tru st The Glanmoor Tru st The Mercers Company The Bernard Sunley Charit able Found ation The Mackintosh Found ation The William A Cadbury Charit able Tru st
DONORS TO THIS PRO
This project has cost around ÂŁ180,000 and is funded entirely by generous indi
o f L o rd s The H oTomus&e Sarah Floyd Mr & Mrs Robin Herbert Francis & Nathalie Phillimore Anonymous The Tansy Trust
OJECT
ecretaries H ome SAnonymous Ms Pam Alexander & Dr Roger Booker Christopher & Katie Cardona Michael Cuthbert Jeremy & Rosemary Farr Will & Janine Hillary Anonymous David & Amanda Leathers Simon & Virginia Robertson Donald & Rachael Stearns The Band Trust
ividuals and charitable trusts. It is not funded by the government
J u dg e s
Gerry & Joyce Acher P M Beckwith Charitable Trust Consuelo & Anthony Brooke The Hon Sir Christopher Clarke Thalassa Trust Neil & Elizabeth Johnson Mr & Mrs Francis Lang Ian & Clare Maurice Alison Miller The Nicholson Family The Ogilvie Thompson Family Nigel Robson Andrew & Melanie Rose Margaret Rowe Victoria Sharp Richard & Helen Sheldon Anthony & Carolyn Townsend Johnny Veeder QC and 5 anonymous donors
Peter Bedford Christina & Timothy Benn Mike & Alison Biden Kate Bingham & Jesse Norman Roger Birtles B R C Boesch Artifax Software Ltd Anthony Bunker Russ & Linda Carr Julian & Jenny Cazalet
s r o n r e G ov Hilary David Mrs Deborah De Groot The de Laszlo Foundation
Noreen Doyle Jonathan Firth Antony Fletcher Peter Gerrard Mr & Mrs J C Green Cynthia Harrap Trust The Holmes Family The Hunter Family Trust Richard & Pamela Jacobs
Andrew & Caroline Joy Timothy Nathan & Nina Kaye Nevill Abraham Foundation Anthony & Katya Lester William & Felicity Mather Ian & Caroline McAlpine Lady Morris Brian & Claudine Muirhead Sara Nathan J R Parker
Mrs C E Peddie Penny Privett Ros & Ken Rokison Mrs Faanya Rose John & Maxine Samuels Mrs Peter Wake DL Richard Youell and 6 anonymous donors
Brian Abbs Dr Caroline Ardron David & Patricia Barrett Halldora Blair Mr & Mrs Simon Boadle Mrs Margaret Bolam Mr & Mrs Graham Bourne Guinevere Boyd Bill & Anna Brewer Delia Butcher Richard Butler Adams Paul & Sally Cartwright Graham & Virginia S Champness Ann Chillingworth Sue Clark D R Clarke Roy & Jackie Colbran Peter Collins Mr & Mrs Tim Cooper Alan Cracknell Douglas & Pru de Lavison Krystyna Deuss Adrian Dewey
Christine Douse Philippa Drew Nick & Delia Drummond Yvonne & Malcolm Edwards Alun & Bridget Evans Barry Fearn Leslie & Gillian Fletcher Phillip Freeman Carol & Alistair Gavin Cecilia Gordon Tina Grol Charles & Amanda Haddon-Cave Alastair & Vanessa Hammerton John & Jane Harrap H R Haydon Paul & Kay Henderson Margaret Hilsdon Mr & Mrs R H T Hingston Mr & Mrs Nick Humble David & Wendy Hunter Dr Valerie Jones Lord & Lady Judd
s d r i b l i Ja
Roger Ramsden & Alison Kellett Andrew Kennedy Mr & Mrs J Kiernan Rethinking Recycling Ian & Jane Macnabb S Matthews Sally James & Sean McConville Dr Harvey McGregor QC Christopher McLaren Lesley Myles Pamela & Bruce Noble John & Dianne Norton Dr Cecily O'Neill James & Nicky Pain Sir Michael & Lady Parker Jessica Peacock John & Jacqui Pearson Judy Perry Phillips Development Ltd Cedric Pierce Pinney Family Gill & Clive Purkiss
Susanne & Dennis Purser Mr & Mrs James Roberts Ruth & Daniel Rosenfelder Barry & Anne Rourke Mr & Mrs Anthony Salz Mark & Louise Seligman S U Porter Amanda & Richard Slowe Donald Smith J G Stanford Dick & Janice Taverne Mr David Taylor Paul & Wendy Tobia Mr & Mrs Paul Tullo Clive & Tessa Tulloch Sara Walker
Mrs T G Watkins Christian Wells The Hon Mrs Wheeler-Bennett Julia Wight Mark & Jane Williams Abu Khamis Tom & Elaine Yeo Fiona Yeomans and 18 anonymous donors
SU GA R Victoria Ward k J E R RY ic tr a P n a c n u D n J OE Rob Gildo O SG O Deryck Ha mo n S IR
O D F IE LD IN G
Adam Scow n & s ld o n y e R e Philip p Pa tri cia Au sti n DELO RES Jules Avaie nt Tr ig ger Micky ODY DIR ECTO R MI CH AE L MO Clare Ba rst ow Be ins to ck IGN DES KA TE GU INN ESS SET sh a Bu rre ll Train Co nd uctor ta Na R NE OO SP IA COSTU ME DESIGN TAN EO GR AP HER Lisa Bu tc he r D ud e NIC K WI NSTON ASST DIR / CH OR NO ER Ma xin e C am pb ell LU CKY LU CIA CO NDU CTO R TO BY PU RS LIE : Ke lly C DESIGN An drée C ar te r ICE PIC K CHAR WE SLEY HISCO CK LIG HTIN G SO UN D
JO HN DE L NE RO
ACT 1 The Chicago Theatre
Scene 2 Union Hall Scene 3 Clarke Street Garage Scene 4 Railroad Station Scene 5 The Dixie Flyer Scene 6 The Seminole-Ritz Hotel Veranda Scene 7 Josephine & Daphne’s hotel room
ACT 2 The Beach
Scene 2 The Veranda again Scene 3 The Gypsy Road House Scene 4 Back in the hotel room Scene 5 Miami nightclub Scene 6 Hotel Corridor
pooner
s by Tania S
ing Cheeky draw
Happily ever after . . .
Fo rd e Baby face : CJ SPATS a rn My : lga O ta ho Sa jit An : rl s C ha ffe & Am be r G ul Girly Gi na Ed wa rd s Ba cking Sin ge rs tia Ta & ue gh no Do zi Liz & s Su e Nic olle Joh n & Jam ie Lexu len e Yo un g AK A Ella Sweet ail G : S KLE UC KN s am illi W ea An dr
r a g Su S u THE BAN D
Meg an Poun d Alice Butc her Julia Burkert Nata lie Roza rio Liz Brad ley Kay Bywater Mela nie Hen ry Mark Lace y Dunc an Lam ont Ruth Woo dha ms Laura Gar win Frase r Tann ock Nata lie Witt s And rew Cole
Thanks to
Chris Hedlam Morley & staff at
Orbital Sound Glyndebourne LimeWood a wonderful
Paul Brown and friends at
hotel in the New Forest Vintage spectacle frames courtesy of
generaleyewear.com
Staff at Send
that gave project time to help the
Mark Tayl or Mart in Brigg s Jere my Cook E
SET BUILDERS Scena ENA Structure & seating AR
H M P SE N D
Governor Louise Spencer Dave Charity Head of Send
Pia Sinha Deputy head ofSend Lyn Cannon Activities Manag er Linda Charles Staff support,
Pathways, Chaplaincy, Drug Strategy Andrew Peacock Head of Se curity
Lee Clarke Security Martin Butcher Estates Depart ment
r a ug Preparing the Show
Nigel White Production Manager Mark Lacey Orchestra Manager Jeremy Cooke Repetiteu r
r a g u S
Bernard Davies The Cavalry Jo Woo d & Hayle y Cosg rove Follo w spot operators Dan Last Chief LX Petri na Blair, Jasmi n Pate l & Sama ntha “ Sami ” Brign ull Backs tage assis tants Simon Garwood Deputy LX Graham Burgess Sou nd Engineer Technicians Richard Loader : Declan Costello : James Pitkin THE OFF ICE Ian Taylor Stage Manager Claire Rundle DSM Robin Morgan ASM
Ilona Karas Wardrobe Supervisor Fiametta Horvat Asst Supervisor Aly Fielden Wardrobe Mistress Assisted by Eunice Spry Sarah Russell Wigs & make-up Emma-Louise Clarke : Jenni Munday Wardrobe placement
Rach el, Jane & Zara Salon & Ward robe
Helen Sennett –
Company manager
& Jan Tuffield Marketing MORE Annabel Ross Finance RachelPearson Fundraising Caroline Sheahan Claire Routh Scott Cooper rebecca thomaS Emma CHEUNG Wasfi Kani OBE Chief Executive
1 0 2 D N H M P SE Originally a smallpox Isolation Hospital HMP SEND first became a prison in 1962 when it opened as a Junior Detention Centre. It was re-classified in 1987 as a category C Adult Male Prison. In 1998 it was demolished and completely rebuilt and now operates as a closed Female Training Prison with 282 prisoners. D wing houses a 20 bed Addictive Treatment Unit, E & F wings are the Resettlement Unit for 80 women and A wing the Therapeutic Community with a capacity of 40.
Pimlico Opera’s
collaborations with prisoners started back in 1991. But our first time behind bars had been the year before when we performed Mozart’s Nozze di Figaro in the huge Victorian chapel of HMP Wormwood Scrubs. It was shortly after the Strangeways riot, which had started in their chapel, and there was a nervousness about allowing hundreds of prisoners to assemble. After three hours of opera in Italian the prisoners shot to their feet – and gave a standing ovation. We returned for a co–production of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, described in The Times as the coup de théâtre of the year. Highlights since have included a storyline in The Bill, a BBC
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documentary Guys, Dolls & D wing, nominated for a BAFTA, and a 5 week stretch in Mountjoy, Dublin with Pierce Brosnan (James Bond) as guest of honour. Pimlico Opera has worked with hundreds of prisoners over 20 years and some, inspired by the project, have gone on to do new things – sometimes forever. Others, alas, slip back into the cycle. The purpose of the project has also been to show prison to the public and encourage debate about how our prisons might better serve our society. The former Governor of Wandsworth said that two thirds of the people in his jail were there because every other government agency had failed. A third of children in care end up in prison. We have probably taken close to 50,000 people into prison. Michael Portillo is the patron of this work. It receives no public subsidy and takes place because of the generosity of the donors listed on the previous pages. I am certain the prisoners would want to join me in thanking you for supporting the project.
Wasfi Kani OBE
Patricia Austin Dolores I’ve only ever done backing singing in a band with my brothers in a group years ago. I’ve enjoyed the experience of this and have learned how things work behind the scenes and how things are put together and what is involved and there is a lot!! I’ve learned a lot of dance routines and it’s nice to be able to show off to an audience. I’m singing as well and find that very challenging. I’m grateful to have been given this opportunity. I thank Pimlico opera for their time and patience with me and allowing me to be part of the show. I’d do it all again!! Jules Avaient Trigger Micky When I put my name down for the production I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to really do it, but as soon as day one I was hooked and the whole experience is fantastic. I didn’t know I could sing or dance. I feel like a different person. I have been on drugs for 15 years and 2 years ago when my mum died I realised I needed to get clean. I am doing this for her and when the project is finished I will join the the RAPT programme. I would like to say a big thank you to the producer and the production team.
Clare Barstow Beinstock I have always been interested in drama and playwriting. I was a drama critic for magazines and radio and took a playwriting course at the City Lit under Bernard Keps. I also acted in plays by lonesco and Lorca at Jackson Lane community theatre. I ended up in prison with a life sentence but am maintaining my innocence. Since coming to prison I have written and acted in several of my plays in 5 women’s prisons. I linked up with a playwright at Durham who took one of my plays to the Edinburgh festival. At Cookham Wood I met Bruce Wall from the London Shakespeare Workout who has put on my plays at the Clore Studio, Royal Opera House., the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Shakespeare festival in Stratford, Ontario. I am truly grateful to have been part of this project. Petrina Blair Backstage assistant I worked in PR and enjoy photography and reading fiction. I’m nearing the end of a three and a half year prison sentence with 4 months to go. This is a great opportunity to take part in something I love: the theatre. It is also helping me
with my shyness. I am grateful to the governor and Pimlico for giving me this chance. Thank you. Samantha Brignull Backstage assistant I’m 25, from Bath – I’ve been in HMP Send for 2 months and it’s my first and last time. While here I have been studying herbalism & and doing an NVQ in gardening. It’s good to do something different and positive whilst being inside and to work with the actors and crew. I feel this is beneficial for prisoners as they don’t alienate you but they make you feel a valuable part of the production instead of just a prisoner. I would like to be involved in something like this again. Natasha Burrell Train Conductor, Bell Boy I am 36 years old with 4 children. The eldest of which is 16 years old and the youngest is 6 years old. I have lived in America for part of my life. Before being sent to prison I spent 18 months studying law, I worked in sales & marketing and was a workshop leader for young children. I have always found the dramatic arts a very good way of expressing myself. This production is the first time women in this prison have been allowed to express their deepest emotions through acting and this is something that should be encouraged. The discipline of coming to work and doing a full day’s work engaged in something challenging is a perfect way to channel emotions which would minimise being disruptive . . .more please . . .
Lisa Butcher Dude I am 36 years old. I’ve always loved acting but never had the chance to do it. I‘ve been on drugs since the age of 13. Since coming into prison this time and coming to Send I’ve had a chance to sort my life out by doing the RAPT programme. I’ve now been clean from drugs for just over 1 year and have a clear head. My sister put my name down for me to do this which I was not going to do. I came in and gave it a go; I love it and have met loads of new friends as well as the cast. It has helped me in a lot of ways, it has made my confidence a lot stronger and it has made me want to carry on acting. I love it and want to thank everyone who helps us on the show. M B “Original” Sweet Sue I’m 30 and have been in prison for 14 months. I put myself forward for the Sugar production for the change of atmosphere from the daily routine of prison life. It has, been an experience I have been happy to be part of – a challenge. It has required a commitment that I’ve been proud of. MB was released after 3 weeks of rehearsal. Maxine Campbell Lucky Luciano I am 39 years old and from Cardiff. I have done some acting in other jails and in school plays. I was Daddy Warbucks in Annie and Danny in Grease but they were only small productions and had nothing on this. The whole magnitude of this is
scary and getting it right is my main objective. Actually when I was at Askham Grange I worked with a lady called Linda Brogan from Clean Break. We wrote a play called Trapped and it was played by actors from a York theatre company and if I must say so myself it was great. Also, having the opportunity to work with the production team is an experience of a life time. Andrée Carter aka Scouse Ice Pick Charlie I was born in Liverpool, but I live in Bournemouth. I have 5 children. I have done a little bit of dancing at Darlington Art Centre. I have done a bit of ice skating too. In prison I enjoy fitness & gym work, and have completed Level 1 of the assistant gym instructor course. Doing this is so exciting it has given me a real boost to my self esteem and everyone involved is great. I would like to thank everyone involved for this opportunity. It’s a real good experience I will never forget it. Kelly Chaffe Girly Girl I am 25 years old and was in a youth secure unit as a teenager but this is my first time in prison. Before coming here I was at college studying Hair & Beauty. I have never been involved in anything like this before. It’s been real hard work but I have enjoyed myself. It’s helped break up the daily routine of prison life and I’ve seen it draws out our talents.
Hayley Cosgrove Follow spot I have seen through participating in this, the confidence it has given the women including myself. The team have been great, non–judgemental & supportive. Lizzi Donoghue Mary Lou I have been in prison for 6 years now and am working towards an appeal which I know can take many years. When I heard that Pimlico Opera were doing a show I know I wanted to be part of it. Having something such as performing arts in prison helps so much with regards to breaking the monotony of prison life, it gives us a sense of achievement whilst learning new skills and meeting some very talented, friendly people. Thank you to everyone for giving me such a fabulous time during a time of uncertainty. Tatiana Edwards Rosella I’m 32 from Estonia and I’ve been in prison for 6 years. It is easy to feel institutionalised after a while and when I first heard about this musical production I thought that I would help with costumes and make up, as it is related to my profession. After spending a day in rehearsal I wanted to take part. I used to do some dancing in the past so it was very exciting to do something like this again. It was like a breath of fresh air. I’ve enjoyed every day and hope we’ll do something like this again.
Myrna Forde Baby face Nelson Dreams come true. I always wanted to act, sing and dance on the stage when I was a child. At my age I have finally done it. The people and the experience are very different to my life outside and inside prison. I’m serving 5 years for running brothels. My sons Alexander and Christopher and partner, plus my sister are coming to watch the show. Something for us all to tell my lovely granddaughters and baby boy. Thank you to all who made this possible. Rob Gildon Joe studied singing at Manhattan School of Music in New York, the Tanglewood Music Center and at the Aspen Music Festival. He also has a Masters in Middle Eastern Politics. Robert’s appearances include Midsummer Nights Dream (Garsington Opera), Portugal’s Marriage of Figaro (Bampton Classical Opera), Fablesa Film Opera (Streetwise Opera), Complicité workshops with Simon McBurney on A Dog’s Heart, La Traviata at the Tobacco Factory with the Opera Project. This is Robert’s third stint in prison having previously played John Wilkes Booth in Sondheim’s Assassins at HMP Coldingley and Ashwell. Kate Guinness Set Design trained on the Motley Theatre Design Course. Design work includes: La Bohème at The Cock Tavern Theatre and Soho Theatre (nominated for an Olivier
award 2011 for Best New Opera Production), La Serva Padrona, La Bohème and Winners for Wexford Festival Opera’s ShortWorks 2010, The York Realist at the Riverside Studios, Studies for a Portrait at The King’s Head, The Potting Shed at the Finborough Theatre and the exhibition Against Human Trafficking for The Houses of Parliament. Amber Gul Girly girl I am 25 years old and from Essex and an estate agent and a mortgage advisor. It is my first time in prison and I’ve worked in the kitchen for 2 years. Acting is miles away from my usual life but dancing is not. My night life was pole dancing. I really enjoy performing and this has given me self–belief and confidence. I am considering taking acting as my career when I step out of prison which is not long now – 13 months away. During the time in prison this opera is the first thing I have enjoyed. Deryck Hamon Sir Osgood Fielding Was born at a very early age in the Channel Islands and has been slowly maturing ever since. He is now well established in his second childhood and enjoys his hobbies of Blow Football (although he is now a bit short of puff) and Wicker Bottomed Chair Repairing (for the gentry of course). He studied at Rose Bruford College and singing at RNCM. He was a principal bass of D’Oyly Carte singing Lieutenant Cholmondeley
and Mikado. Other roles include Torquato Tasso (Buxton), Leonora L’oca del Cairo and Candide (Batignano), Dikoy Kátya Kabanová, Bartolo and Basilio Barbiere, Commendatore Giovanni, Alfonso Così, Sarastro, Count and Bartolo Figaro, Angelotti and Sacristan Tosca, Colline, Alcindoro and Benoit Boheme, Il Talpa Tabarro, Betto and Simone Gianni Schicchi, Escamillo, Don Pasquale, Dulcamara. He has worked on several prison projects with Pimlico Oper. Wesley Hiscock Lighting design trained at Rose Bruford College in Kent and has since worked on many projects from conferences to product launches as a Chief Electrician & Lighting Designer. His most ambitious project to date has been lighting Coventry City Centre for the Millennium. He has spent the past 3 years working as Chief Electrician for Grange Park
Opera and Pimlico Opera but this is his first year as Lighting Designer. Opera credits include re-lighting Barber of Seville (Opera North) and Madame Butterfly (Grange Park). CJ James Spats I’m 45 and have a son who is 30. I have been in prison a few times but I pray this will be my last! Being in prison does make you think twice before doing things but it doesn’t really deter you. I’m now serving a 7 year sentence and I will be home in 2013. When I’m on the road I like to go to work with the lads on the motorway. I am a traffic management operative and also a qualified stone mason. Being in prison has made me meet a lot of different people and learn new things. I’m glad Pimlico came to Send.
Nicolle John Backing Singer I’m 30 and have a beautiful 11 year old son. I enjoy horse riding & reading autobiographies. I’m a Londoner but came to Send in 2008 and I can say with hand on heart that this Sugar musical is the best thing this prison has done, we are all on a ‘natural high’. I’ve always loved dancing, singing and entertaining people from a young age but the wrong path never allowed me to go for my dreams. This has always been a dream of mine but no longer a dream but ‘my reality’; working with them has been so refreshing, very exciting and at times very overwhelming – loving every moment of it. Thank you to everyone who has made it possible for us to do this – you will never be forgotten. Projects like this help to bring the whole prison together.
Jamie Lexus Backing Singer I love travelling and experiencing world cultures. I cannot express how grateful I am to be part of Sugar. I’m serving a life sentence also I am a recovering addict. So coming from a life of addiction I never would have dreamt that doing something like this would have never been a possibility for me – how amazing! It is truly a blessing and I am so so grateful. I have found confidence in things I never thought I would and it has opened my eyes to new ideas for my future. John Del Nero Sound design started his career with Theatre Projects working on Jesus Christ Superstar and Billy Liar. He designed the sound for the original Rocky Horror Show before joining the Royal Court. Over the years he has worked on many high profile events including the Edinburgh Tattoo and public celebrations for The Royal Family and the Royal families of Jordan & Saudi Arabia, John is Imagination’s Sound Designer and has worked for all their major clients including Ford, BT, Coca Cola, Holiday Inn. Forthcoming projects include Hilary Westlake’s Dining with Alice produced by Artichoke and Crown of Light at Durham Cathedral Jasmin Patel Backstage assistant I love Art – especially painting and sculpturing with recycled goods – and am a Founding member of the Watts Gallery project in Send. The sheer
complexity in co–ordinating, synchronising all aspects of production into a complete final ensemble is just astounding. Working alongside a team of professionals has been an eye opening experience. I’d like to convey my sincere appreciation to Pimlico for treating me as one of the “company members”! And my gratitude to HMP Send’s governors especially L Cannon for giving me such a valuable opportunity. Duncan Patrick Jerry trained at the Guildford School of Acting. Theatre includes: The History Boys (Wyndhams Theatre and national tour); Awaking Beauty (Stephen Joseph Theatre); Fame (Aldwych Theatre); Aspects of Love (National Tour); Pirates of Penzance (Kilworth House Theatre); Parade (UK premiere production, Edinburgh); Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Company/Filter Theatre). Film & TV includes Howard Goodall’s 20th century Musicals (Tiger Aspect); My Camp Rock 2 (Disney UK). Toby Purser Conductor Toby’s previous appearances inside prison include Les Misérables, Carmen The Musical, West Side Story (HMP Wandsworth). He has worked at Grange Park Opera as conductor of Madama Butterfly (2010) Rigoletto (2009), chorus master (2007-8), and assistant conductor (2006). He is Artistic Director of the Orion Symphony Orchestra, recently releasing a Rachmaninov CD with them,
and performing regularly at the Royal Festival Hall and Cadogan Hall. He is Principal Conductor of London International Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of Kammerphilharmonie Graz, and has worked with the BBC Philharmonic, Orchestra of Opera North, St. Petersburg Festival Orchestra, and Sinfonia Viva. Philippe Reynolds Dancer trained at the London Studio Centre and has been working in theatre for 12 years. Shows include Starlight Express, West Side Story, Fame, Saturday Night Fever, The Boyfriend, On your Toes, We Will Rock You and White Christmas. Anjit Sahota Olga I am 24 years old and serving a 6 year sentence. I come from a large extended family which was really hard living without. When I first came to prison I thought my life had ended. Since then I have learned to use this time constructively and realise that the fact that I have been to prison will not define the person I will be in the future. It is just a part of the journey of my life. This production has helped to rebuild my self–confidence. Without the support of my devoted parents and the foresight of prison governors and production companies such as Pimlico who recognise that prison should be about engaging individuals as opposed to traumatising which makes prison unbearable.
Adam Scown Dancer is from Australia. Credits include: Gotta Sing Gotta Dance, Hellsing, High School Musical, The Boy From Oz, Aloft, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs and played the lead role of Sal in Oh What A Night. He has also worked extensively in the commercial industry for artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Tina Arena, Caroline O’Connor & Rogue Traders. He has performed in both the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Closing Ceremony as well as the 2000 Australian Olympic Opening Ceremony. He appeared in films such as Bootmen with Adam Garcia, Oscar & Lucinda with Cate Blanchett & Oscar winning film Happy Feet. He has done voice overs for TV commercials including Fosters Beer, Nutella, Qantas, 3 Mobile Corona Beer, MTV UK, LG, London Weekend, McDonald’s. He has appeared on tv in Australia and UK including choreographing for BBC 3’s Don’t tell the Bride, ITV Series Octavia and the role of Kym in Home & Away. Tania Spooner Costume Design has designed costumes for Macbeth (RSC Stratford); Peribanez (Young Vic); Eugene Onegin (Basel Opera); The
Rake’s Progress (Hannover Opera); The Pleasure Man (Glasgow Citizens); Aida (Scottish Opera); Cosi fan Tutte (Opera North). She has also designed sets for Pimlico Opera’s productions of West Side Story (HMP Winchester) and Guys & Dolls (HMP Wormwood Scrubs). Her story A Crack has been shortlisted for the Grist 2011 New Writer’s prize. Jo Wood Follow spot I am almost at the end of my 4.5 year sentence. Never expected to be part of a theatre production having always been in the veterinary field. This has been an experience I will value, it’s been great to see all the girls so committed. Eunice Spry Wardrobe assistant I am 67 years old in a few weeks. I have always enjoyed sewing and needlecraft from a young age – about 3 years old I think. I was really appreciative when Pimlico allowed me to help with the costumes it was a privilege. I have always watched dramas, shows, plays etc. And wished I could be involved with all the sewing. Now I have, I have loved the atmosphere being with all of the performers and directors. It’s all been magic – Thank you.
Victoria Ward Sugar Kane trained at Mountview Theatre School where she is now a guest choreographer and director. Acting credits include national tour of Blood Brothers, Constance Three Musketeers (national tour), Polly Peachum The Beggar’s Opera (ENO production at the Bridewell Theatre), Don’t Misunderstand Me (English Theatre of Hamburg), Make-Up Mary It’s a Christmas Carol, Atlanta Jason & the Argonauts, Molly Wesley John Wesley (national tour), Sarah Jane Moore Assassins, Mme Thenardier Les Miserables (Pimlico Opera), Helen Wonderful Town, Dinah South Pacific (Grange Park Opera). Victoria has been to Australia, the US and Canada with Carl Rosa playing Hebe (HMS Pinafore) and Pitti-Sing (Mikado) and took part in the company’s West End season playing Leila Iolanthe and Isabel The Pirates of Penzance. Andrea Williams Knuckles I am the mother of two beautiful children (Kyann and Terence). This is my first and last time in prison. I am presently studying for a masters in youth & community work. At times prison is stressful and boring with not a lot to do. Then the Pimlico Opera came along. This then gave me something to reflect upon. The hours have been long and hard but it has been worth it. I want to say thanks to Nick for working me hard in the dance routine. I would also like to thank Michael the director, for giving me the opportunity and experience to perform in the show, along with sharing our talks about Christianity.
Nick Winston Assistant Director / Choreographer Credits include: Sondhiem at 80 (BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall), The Wizard of Oz (Royal Festival Hall), Horrid Henry (West End & tour), Pinocchio (Opera North, Chemnitz Opera, Minnesota Opera), Love Story (Chichester), A Christmas Carol (West Yorkshire Playhouse & Birmingham Rep), Follies (Royal Theatre, Northampton). Forthcoming projects include Il Turco In Italia (Garsington), Annie (West Yorkshire Playhouse) and the West End premiere of Loserville, The Musical..
Gaillene Young aka Ella Sweet Sue works for the St Giles Trust call centre which operates from within HMP Send and hopes to continue her work with SGT helping ex-offenders resettle back into the community on release, once she is released herself. She is delighted to be involved in the Pimlico Opera production, joining the cast at a late stage of the rehearsals due to the original “Sweet Sue” being released (good for her!) Ella is a fan of Arsenal and Formula One.