Yahoo News Inmates at UK prison perform West End production of Les Miserables to ‘boost morale’
The Prison Service has defended a series of productions of Les Miserables that starred inmates, that were staged to ‘boost morale’.
Around 16 convicts at HMP High Down in Banstead, Surrey, took part in a lavish production of the hit West End show for audiences who paid up to £70 for a ticket.
Six shows were put on at the 300-seater gym at the Category B prison, that also featured professionals from Pimlico Opera, according to The Sun.
A recent report on High Down said the shows were ‘a resounding success and a boost to morale’.
A spokesperson from the Prison Service added to Yahoo News Uk: ‘Rehabilitating prisoners is crucial to reducing reoffending and initiatives such as this help offenders turn their backs on crime.’
One person who watched the show praised the production, telling The Sun: ‘I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was blown away by the performances from the cast.’
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However, Tory MP David Morris blasted the event, arguing that prisoners should be trained to do ‘proper jobs’ after they are released back into the community.
He added: ‘Getting to perform in a show like this is something most normal, law-abiding people can only dream of and would never get the chance to do.’
Profits from the shows reportedly went to charity Pimlico Opera, who employ professional actors and stage hands.
HMP High Down has come under fire for prisoner drug use.
The Independent Monitoring Board warned: ‘The continued importation and use of illicit drugs remained an endemic problem throughout the year.’
