INMATES of Winchester Prison have taken to the stage as part of a project with the city's university.

Eight prisoners will perform Our Country's Good along with University College Winchester drama students in a series of shows for other prisoners and invited guests.

The play is based on a true story about events in an Australian penal colony in 1789 when a young Lieutenant decides to stage a play.

Kerryn Davies, drama tutor, said putting on the play helped both prisoners and students learn from each other.

"It changes the students' views on what a prisoner is," she said. "A lot of people can have very stereotypical views. By coming in and working with them they realise they are the same as anybody else.

"It's the same for the prisoners - they may have stereotypes about what students are like. When they are working together they are all treated equally and expectations of them are equal."

Inmate Paddy Bennett, 26, was approached by Kerryn to star in the play as a dour Scottish officer.

"Doing this makes a difference, and it makes a nice change," he said.

Our Country's Good is showing until Thursday.