Bang Up
First radio play by Sarah Hehir, a winner of the BBC Writer's Prize, inspired by her work in a young offenders' institute. Emma teaches creative writing in a detention centre.
Bang Up by Sarah Hehir
Winner of the first BBC Writer's Prize.
Emma teaches creative writing in a detention centre . Her life is imploding. Her estranged father contacts her with news of the birth of a baby . Throwing herself into work with the young offenders, new student Lee surprises her with the sensitivity of his writing .
Directed in Salford by Susan Roberts.
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BBC Writer's Prize Winner Sarah Hehir
On her inspiration for Bang Up…
I was teaching literacy in a young offenders institute and I knew I wanted to write something about the experience of being there - I just wasn’t quite sure what the story was. The character of Emma is not me, but is obviously influenced by the time I spent teaching in prison. I wanted to write a play that combined the tensions and potential violence of prison (the atmosphere there can turn on a word) with the unexpected tenderness and camaraderie that exists between the guards and the boys.
People I’ve spoken to make assumptions about prison before they’ve been inside one; their preconceptions seem to be based on media representation and rumour. My experience unravelled my own expectations and prejudice. I think most people who have been inside would agree that it’s a difficult, diverse and complex environment.
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Writer | Sarah Hehir |
| Lee | Samuel Holland |
| Emma | Gillian Kearney |
| Bruce | Simeon Truby |
| Patrick | Paul Sockett |
| Ray | Matt Sutton |
| SEG Guard | Matt Sutton |
| Ishan | Faz Shah |
| Guard | James Quinn |
| Director | Susan Roberts |
Broadcasts
- Thu 8 Aug 201314:15BBC Radio 4
- Thu 21 Jan 201614:15BBC Radio 4
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