A new original thriller, Prey For Me, will premiere at the Union Theatre in Southwark from 31 August to 10 September 2026.
Written by emerging playwright Tuula Costelloe, the production is based on her BBC Writersroom script that placed in the top 1% of entries, and marks her latest stage work following the acclaimed Christmas is Cancelled.
Set in the aftermath of a devastating cyberattack that unlocks every cell in a Category A men’s prison, the play follows the chaos as order collapses and vulnerable inmates become targets.
At the centre of the story is Sawyer, a notorious hacker and gang leader who drives a brutal manhunt through the prison, forcing a group of prisoners including a disgraced officer, a football star and a serial killer to fight for survival.
Though fictional, the play draws inspiration from real-world miscarriages of justice and modern culture’s rapid judgement of perceived wrongdoing.
Costelloe said: “I was deeply disturbed by how quickly we can decide someone is guilty before we know all the facts. People can be, and have been, dragged through catastrophic trials and convictions only to be exonerated years later – or sometimes when it is already too late.
I wanted to write the worst nightmare I could imagine for the stage. When I began learning more about miscarriages of justice involving medical professionals accused of being serial killers. I realised it might be happening in real-life, right now, and I knew I had to stand up”
“Prey for Me isn’t about telling audiences what to think or which side to take. It’s about questioning instincts, challenging mob mentality, and confronting what could happen when we get it wrong. Miscarriages of justice destroys lives, and I wanted to shine a light on how easily people can become prey when society decides they are monsters. In Prey For Me, I hope I have the words that could make a difference”.
The production promises an intense and thought-provoking theatrical experience, examining themes of fear, public condemnation and the consequences of getting justice wrong.
Casting and full creative team details are yet to be announced.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
