Cell Outs is a dark comedy written and performed by two ex-prison officers. A tale of bright-eyed ambition, burnout & bejewelled batons.
Harriet and Ella joined a grad scheme which promised to fulfil their wildest social justice dreams. Equipped with their humanities degrees and bright-eyed ideals, they started training.
Just 6 weeks later they’re on the landings, fully qualified prison officers – fresh keys, squeaky boots and blind enthusiasm.
They soon discover how prison skews a person’s perspective; since when did discussing Love Island with murderers become so everyday?
An unseen insight into the warped world of those working behind bars and the sacrifices made to ensure survival.
Cell Outs draws on these ex-officers experiences and the stories of those they worked alongside.
“Don’t you think it’s pretty f*cked that a lot of stuff we do in the prison, like if we were to do that in the street we’d get arrested straight off”
Supported by Arts Council England.
Tobi King Bakare and this theatre deserve a shout-out for such a young, diverse audience. There is so much talk about audiences being full of over 60s and why, why can’t theatres get the crowds in to reflect society in general? Well, I’m happy to say that on a rainy Thursday evening, the theatre was completely full.
Caiti Grove on Before I Go in CPT's Spring 2023 season London Theatre Reviews
