REHEARSALS for a play at Winchester prison had a special audience last week.

Minister for Prisons and Youth Justice Crispin Blunt watched prisoners at HMP Winchester perform The Accidental Imposter before the show opens to the public in May.

Prisoners are working alongside students from the University of Winchester as part of the university’s award-winning prison theatre project which has been running for nine years.

Annie McKean MBE, project manager and producer, said: “The Minister was very interested to hear about the model of practice that we use in putting shows together, including the role students play in mentoring the prisoners. I was able to explain how the project supports the prisons’ work with prisoners in areas of personal development, employability and literacy skills.”

The minister was accompanied by Winchester MP Steve Brine for the sneak preview. The play opens on May 1 until May 3.