Welcome to Yorkshire
Inspiration • September 1st, 2026
|The powerful dance theatre show Woodhill, which delves deep into the issues surrounding the UK prison system, is set to begin its UK tour in Wakefield on 15th September 2026. Following its opening, the performance will also make stops at the Leeds Playhouse on 24th and 25th September, and the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield on 27th October. This thought-provoking production is not just a piece of theatre; it’s part of a broader campaign aimed at highlighting the injustices faced by those within the prison system.
Story Behind Woodhill
Woodhill is inspired by the real stories of three families who tragically lost loved ones to suicide while incarcerated at HMP Woodhill, a Category B male prison located in Milton Keynes. The show uses their testimonies, presented through dynamic choreography, to expose serious flaws within the prison system. It serves as a stark reminder of the negligence and injustices that many inmates face. The urgency of this message has only intensified since the Ministry of Justice acknowledged the ongoing decline of conditions in prisons in April 2026.
The families involved have bravely shared their experiences, asking the public to question the value placed on lives behind bars. They continue to seek answers regarding their loved ones' deaths and advocate for meaningful change. As one family member poignantly stated, “Our boys needed help, not punishment. They were given a prison sentence that turned into a death sentence.” This heartfelt plea underscores the critical issues being addressed by the show.
A Call for Change
Alongside the performance, LUNG, the theatre company behind Woodhill, is actively campaigning for systemic changes within the prison system. Their demands include:
Prison governors to commit to safer prisons by signing and implementing the Woodhill Commitments focused on suicide prevention.
Funding to remove ligature points from prison cells, to help prevent deaths caused by design flaws.
Involvement of families in discussions regarding safety recommendations and decisions.
MP Emily Darlington to read aloud the names of men who lost their lives at HMP Woodhill in Parliament to ensure their stories are acknowledged.
The campaign is a direct response to the ongoing crisis within the prison system, as highlighted by recent reports showing alarmingly high rates of self-harm among inmates. Matt Woodhead, Co-Director of LUNG, emphasised the heart-breaking reality that these issues are not just historical; they are happening right now.
Critical Acclaim and Impact
The show originally premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023, where it garnered significant acclaim, winning awards such as the Change Makers Award from the Sheila McKechnie Foundation. Its success has allowed the message to reach a wider audience, and the decision to bring it back on tour is a testament to its impact. The production not only aims to entertain but also to serve as a catalyst for change within the prison system.
LUNG, founded in Barnsley in 2014, is known for amplifying hidden voices and shining a light on important social issues. Previous productions have tackled topics such as the education system and children's care, demonstrating their commitment to using theatre as a platform for advocacy.
The Yorkshire dates are:
15 September — Wakefield Theatre Royal, Wakefield
1 October — Cast, Doncaster
3 October — Barnsley Civic, Barnsley
6–7 October — Sheffield Theatres – Playhouse, Sheffield
27 October — Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield
24–25 November — Leeds Playhouse, Leeds
Running for approximately 80 minutes, Woodhill is designed for audiences aged 16 and above. It addresses heavy themes, including self-harm and suicide, which may be distressing for some viewers. The choreography and storytelling aim to provide a poignant and emotional experience, encouraging audiences to reflect on the realities faced by those within the prison system.
