Second Stage has marked a major milestone following a successful partnership with Regeneration Theatre at HMP Hollesley and a highly successful Mad About Shakespeare fundraising weekend in Aldeburgh.
The three-day project at HMP Hollesley saw 14 men work with theatre practitioners on the text and themes of Hamlet, culminating in a final performance that was warmly received by participants and invited guests.
As part of the programme, two Second Stage candidates were selected to operate lighting and sound for a special performance by Mark Lockyer, who presented excerpts from his one-man Hamlet.
The performance formed part of the official launch of The Bay Arts Academy at the prison, a new initiative made possible through equipment donations from CEG and Autograph.
Additional last-minute funding enabled the installation of stage truss and harnesses, ensuring the Academy can now deliver ongoing technical training for participants.
Second Stage expressed its gratitude to the prison’s education and skills teams, as well as all supporters who contributed to the project’s success.
Following the prison-based work, the charity hosted its Mad About Shakespeare fundraising weekend in Aldeburgh, bringing together artists, academics and audiences for a series of performances and discussions.
Mark Lockyer’s one-man Hamlet was a highlight of the weekend, supported backstage by two men on temporary release, offering valuable hands-on experience in a live production setting.
The evening concluded with a Q&A chaired by Second Stage Chief Executive Jo Hutchison, featuring Lockyer and his retired forensic psychologist.
Across the weekend, Colin Hurley performed Lear’s Shadow, while Sir Jonathan Bate and Dame Harriet Walter engaged audiences with talks and discussions on Shakespeare’s works.
The event concluded with a performance from Stefan Bednarczyk, bringing the weekend to a celebratory close.
The fundraising weekend raised nearly £30,000 through ticket sales and donations, providing vital support for Second Stage’s ongoing work.
The charity extended its thanks to all volunteers, artists, supporters and ticket buyers who contributed their time and generosity.
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