MANY performers like a captive audience-and one has been guaranteed at Winchester Prison this week.

A mixture of students from University College, Winchester, and jail inmates have taken to the stage to perform Our Country's Good, a true story about an Australian penal colony in 1789.

The piece, which was written by Timberlake Wertenbaker, focuses on a group of convicts who put on a play, supervised by a young lieutenant.

They overcome several obstacles to achieve their aim and, during that time, the inmates and officers gain each other's respect.

Performing the piece at Winchester Prison was the brainchild of Annie McKean and Kerryn Davies.

Annie, a senior drama lecturer at UCW, secured funding for the production from the Arts Council and the Ernest Cook Trust.

The piece was directed by Marianne Sharp, who also lectures at the college, and a total of 15 UCW students are involved, either acting or backstage.

Nine prisoners from the jail's West Hill annexe, who are studying for qualifications with the Open College Network, are also taking part.

Kerryn, who is the drama tutor at West Hill, said the inmates were learning presentation and teamwork skills through the play.

"It also gives them something constructive to aim towards," she added.

The play was watched by a selected audience of inmates, prison and college staff and friends and family of the cast.