“Don’t you think it’s pretty f*cked that a lot of stuff we do in the prison, like if we were to do that in the street we’d get arrested straight off”

A dark comedy written and performed by two ex-prison officers, Cell Outs follows the true experiences of two young women, as they stare down the injustices of the UK prison system, and attempt to unpick the dangerous effects of power and privilege. Cell Outs is ‘an unflinching look into the pair’s anger and trauma’ (Medium), it uses song, silliness and ‘hilariously biting criticisms’ to explore the brutality of what Prison Officers face, prisoners endure, and the sacrifices we make to survive.

Harriet and Ella join a dubious grad scheme which promises to fulfil their wildest social justice dreams. Equipped with their humanities degrees and bright-eyed naivety, they’re catapulted onto the landings of London’s most dangerous jails as fully qualified prison officers - fresh cut keys, squeaky boots and blind enthusiasm. Watch as their worlds descend into burnout and brutalisation.

All performances are captioned thanks to Digital 4 captioning.

There will be a post-show panel after the performance on Thu 24 Nov, with Ella Church and Harriet Troup, alongside Elly Goodman, Kirstin Anderson and Jess Thorpe from Justice Arts Scotland. This will run until around 10pm.

Cell Outs is part of the Traverse's £1 Ticket Project.

The Traverse Theatre is funded by Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council, and has received additional support from the Scottish Government's Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund and Creative Scotland’s Recovery Fund for Cultural Organisations.

Reviews

★★★★★ 'Gut-wrenching'London Pub Theatre

★★★★★ 'Bleak scenes are lifted by witty, well-written songs' Medium

★★★★ 'Exceptional' West End Best Friend

★★★★ 'Must-see' World Stage UK

★★★★'Moving and insightful'London Theatre Reviews

★★★★'A fascinating multi-character piece' Reviews Hub

Watch the trailer:

If you have access requirements, please contact our Sales and Welcome Team on boxoffice@traverse.co.uk or 0131 228 1404 so we can arrange reserved seating for you and discuss how else we can best support your visit.