We specialise in amplifying the voices of those with lived experiences of the Criminal Justice System and have been working as part of the HMP/YOI Winchester community since 2018.
Each programme runs for 8 weeks and sessions are be a mix of creative exercises and tasks designed to be fun, active, reflective and forward-looking. Using a combination of applied arts, group members are invited to step out of their often complex lives and become part of a collective that begins to ask wider questions about personal and social narratives.
BearFace comes with no script or specific themes to work from and the programme is tailor-made to the individual group needs.
There is no expectation to 'perform' however there is the opportunity to share the process of the programme with others at the final Celebration Event.
HMP / YOI Winchester BearFace Applied Theatre Programme
We completed our 11th Cohort in 2025 and we are looking forward to our up and coming partnership with CFO Evolution. We will be delivering Applied Theatre programmes in HMP/ YOI Winchester and HMP Bullingdon 2026!
MORE INFO COMING SOON
In June we had the absolute privilege to showcase some images and artwork from the HMP/YOI community as part of the High Sheriff’s ‘Art with a Purpose’ exhibition. Seeing the men’s work in this space felt so important. A huge thank you for supporting BearFace Theatre and for platforming our partnerships - Spurgeons and CFO Evolution - both incredible organisations doing essential work both in prison and the local community.
High Sheriff’s Summer Art Exhibition 2025:
Participant quotes
"I’ve started to realise that there is a feeling of joy and pride when you challenge yourself."Group Member, HMP/YOI Winchester