Blue Lights actor goes behind the bars at Maghabbery Prison to support a new prisoners drama society

A local actor has gone behind the bars at Maghabbery Prison to lend his support to a new prisoners drama society.

Neil Keery, who has starred in the Blue Lights TV drama, supported the new 'Off the Cuff' Drama Society. The society has been working with Spanner in the Works Theatre Company to develop a play that highlights the rich diversity of Belfast and celebrates Good Relations Week in Northern Ireland.

Written by the prisoners, the short play ‘Salami on a Pizza’ tells the story of tourists visiting the Belfast Peace Wall – and how the characters from a diverse range of backgrounds come together for the good of the entire community.

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Commenting on his first visit to Maghaberry, actor Neil Keery said: “Today has been a real eye opener. In many ways we only hear the bad stories coming out of prisons but what I’ve experienced today is very positive.

"People use acting to confront difficult issues and I am grateful to the Governor and Patricia for the invitation to visit Maghaberry. It’s clear the men in the drama group have put a lot of effort into the play and I was only too happy to give them some tips from my experiences in acting.”

Maghaberry Prison Governor Tracy Megrath detailed the impact of the drama group on passengers, adding: “Maghaberry has a long tradition of using drama to raise difficult issues and to help people in custody to express themselves in a positive yet challenging way.

"The Drama Society has been the next step in that work. I am delighted that Neil Keery has visited today and given his support to the work.

“We have worked with Patricia Downey from Spanner in the Works over many years, but this is the first time the prisoners have written, directed and acted in their own production. It has been a great experience for everyone and it is fitting that it is being performed as part of Good Relations Week.”

Patricia Downey from Spanner in the Works said: “I’ve always believed that drama can help people to get involved in something positive and I am proud of our long partnership with Maghaberry and the Prison Service. The men have worked really hard on the project and I’ve been very impressed with their dedication.”

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