Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Bobby Award goes to Creative Exression for Insiders and their work with Prisoners

18 Aug 2025

Broadway Baby has presented a prestigious Bobby Award at the Edinburgh Fringe to all involved at Creative Expressions for their powerful production of Insiders, staged at St John’s Church. The accolade recognises not only artistic merit but also the depth of research, collaboration and social purpose that underpins the company’s work.

Not only engrossing theatre but also a profound vehicle for revealing prisoners as people

Part of Bethany Christian Trust’s homelessness prevention stream of services, Creative Expressions provides opportunities for prisoners “to express themselves through the creative arts in communities across Scotland.” Within that remit, Insiders stands out as both gripping theatre and an extraordinary act of social engagement.

First devised during the Covid-19 pandemic through video links with 14 Scottish prisoners, the play was shaped by Sam Rowe (coordinator), Neil Leiper and Garry Sweeney. It went on to tour 11 of Scotland’s 13 male prisons before arriving in Edinburgh, where it was staged with stark simplicity on the chancel steps.

The result is not only engrossing theatre but also a profound vehicle for revealing prisoners as people – their fears, humour, tensions and humanity. It embodies Creative Expressions’ commitment to recovery, reflection and rehabilitation.

Receiving the award on behalf of the company, Sam Rowe said: “We are thrilled to receive the Bobby Award in recognition not just of Insiders but of the work we do with prisoners across Scotland. It really means a lot to us and will help us to further what we do.”

Related to this article: