In October 1993 Charlie Ryder took part in a demonstration to shut down the BNP headquarters in Welling south East London. This developed into a riot which he got involved in. A few months later he was featured on 'Crime Monthly', a television show which appealed for some of Britain's most wanted criminals. He was arrested the same night and, after waiting nearly two years, he was sent to prison for 16 months.

While in prison Charlie kept a scrapbook to record poems, letters and art work.

Through Battersea Arts Centre's Scratch Night, Charlie brought the scrapbook to life, performing a 10-minute piece and getting great audience feedback. They gave him rehersal space to develop his ideas into a full production.

Using puppets, masks, physical theatre, visual art and dance with powerful music, he shines a light on my journey through prison.

At the end of the show Charlie will host a Q and A session - your opportunity to debate and discuss issues raised by the show.

Edinburgh Festival, 2007
The Scotsman review, Sally Stott

What does going to prison really entail? Charlie ryder knows first hand because he has been there. In this one-man show he gives a rare and honest insight into the prison system, putting a face to what is often the faceless idea of “the prisoner”. He’s not a professional actor, but he is a wonderfully open and impassioned performer a genuine person who you would not want to see behind bars.

As he relays his story of being inside for 8 months, after getting involved in violence while protesting against racism he portays what has obviously been a deeply traumatic time for him. In particular the dehumanising effects of well known procedures, such as being stripsearched are clearl;y examined in his spotlight.

Using clothes pegs as people, household objects as props and a series of hand drawn pictures, charlie has a child like vision of the world that works especially well when paired with the very adult realities of the british justice system.

It is difficult to come away from this piece thinking that prison in its current manifestation is a good idea that is charlies aim to make you question the system and it is something he definitely achieves.