But it isn’t working in Australia. Young people are finding ways around the ban because social media is designed to turn them into addicts – and addicts will do anything for their next fix.
Social media is set up to feed them content that manipulates their emotions, making them anxious, antisocial and depressed – all to make them spend more time on social media, maximising the platforms’ profits. This is capitalism at work.
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Regulation won’t help. To stop social media rotting kids’ brains capitalism must be replaced with a system prioritising wellbeing over financial gain. JWA Caley, St Pancras
Reader disagrees that Trump’s actions benefit US people
Inbaraj (MetroTalk, Mon) thinks that everything Donald Trump does is ‘to the benefit of the US and its citizens’.
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Like imposing tariffs and telling the people foreigners will pay whereas it is really US citizens who pay? Like changing Medicare rules so health insurance becomes much more expensive? Like putting masked ICE agents on the street who can murder US citizens with impunity? Wow, I cannot wait for the UK government to start benefiting its citizens in the same way… Martin, London
Breaching international law is history repeating itself, says reader
This reader says ‘Russia’s invasion of Ukraine follows the logic of national ambition overriding international law’ (Picture: Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images)
In the 1930s, Nazi Germany justified territorial expansion by prioritising German interests above international agreements and tearing up the Treaty of Versailles.
More recently, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine followed the same logic of national ambition overriding international law, with devastating human consequences.
When countries abandon shared legal frameworks and focus solely on self-interest, they move towards the principle of ‘might is right’ – where power replaces justice.
International law exists because the world learned, through two world wars and countless conflicts, that unchecked nationalism leads to instability, suffering, and global insecurity. Aftab, Romford
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Double standards
Is it true that Iran has threatened to attack the US if they shoot any more street protesters? Peter, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
This reader points out the irony of the US (Picture: Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
‘Labour’s left-wingers are like the proverbial dog chasing a car’, says reader
The tears of the MPs of Labour’s Left over their thwarted efforts to return their champion to the Commons to challenge Sir Keir Starmer are beyond self-pitying.
They say Andy Burnham must step down as Greater Manchester’s mayor to become an MP as only he can win a General Election against Reform.
But losing one seat in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election would be meaningless given Labour’s huge parliamentary majority.
However, Reform came second in 14 of Greater Manchester’s 27 constituencies, so the real threat to Labour is a mayoral election – and Burnham is safe for two more years.
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In their pursuit of power – which they already have, given their party is in government – Labour’s left-wingers are like the proverbial dog chasing a car: there’s total confusion and bafflement if or when they achieve their objective! Peter, London
This reader says there is ‘confusion and bafflement’ in the Labour party (Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments
The Shout singer appeared on GMB to discuss her sobriety journey, Royal Albert Hall concert, and thoughts on Princess Kate and King Charles
Abbie Bray Deputy Editor for Screen Time and Michelle Marshall
16:35, 18 Mar 2026
Good Morning Britain presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls welcomed Lulu on Wednesday’s ITV show, where the singer discussed her thoughts on mortality.
The Shout legend, 77, spoke frankly about her battles with alcohol and conquering her addiction through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The pop icon, whose career has stretched across decades from her 1960s breakthrough, revealed her past drinking issues in her memoir, If You Only Knew, published last year.
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She has now celebrated 12 years of sobriety and is set to return to the Royal Albert Hall stage for a special one-night performance.
The artist was questioned about her recovery journey as host Ed, 59, asked whether she continues to attend AA meetings. But in a poignant revelation, Lulu addressed her own life expectancy.
“To be honest with you, I’ve upped my meetings because I’ve got so much going on, I’m 77, and I think I’m 15, so I run like a mad woman. There’s personal responsibilities,” she explained.
“Also, at my point in life, mortality issues, and you start thinking about your lifespan and wondering about how much longer it’s going to last. There are just issues that you worry about. I’m a bit of a worry wart!”
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Susanna then referenced the Royal Family and mentioned Princess Kate and King Charles’s cancer diagnosis, according to the Express.
“It’s interesting you say that, but the Princess of Wales recently said she’s drunk less alcohol since her cancer diagnosis,” the GMB presenter observed.
Lulu remarked, “That’s a whole other thing. That’s a whole physical problem that she and our king are handling in such a dignified manner. The fact they’re sharing their problems, problems people in life have. Because you look like you’re living on an elevated position in life but you don’t get away with real life issues.”
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On a more uplifting note, the singer expressed her determination to stay positive.
“I’m going to have fun because I’m so lucky,” Lulu revealed. “I have had ups and downs, but I’ve had the most incredible months of my life.
She continued, “But I’ve also had downs. But I never talked about them.”
Susanna complimented Lulu, suggesting the performer has “defied ageing”. The GMB presenter enquired whether abstaining from alcohol had played a role.
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“I think not drinking helps everything,” Lulu responded. “It helps you get clarity, and you’re not carrying a burden of shame and not carrying the responsibility of not sharing. All of this stuff… writing this book was not easy.”
She encouraged anyone battling addiction to reach out for help.
Lulu is set to perform a special one-off concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London on June 1, 2026, marking her six-decade career. The event, which will showcase her greatest hits alongside special guests, aims to raise money for her charity, Lulu’s Mental Health Trust.
With a £10million prize pot up for grabs, this city’s inclusion in the competition has been hailed an ‘extraordinary moment’.
The UK Government has revealed its longlist for the coveted City of Culture 2029 prize. With a variety of busy cities across the UK being included in the list, one vibrant Scottish city is also in the running to claim a whopping £10million prize.
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With the price being awarded every four years, this competition is part of the Prime Minister’s ambition to restore pride in every part of Britain. The previous winner of the City of Culture went to Bradford, with the funding allowing the city to pull off a showstopping cultural programme with over 5,000 events.
In a bid for the title is the Highland’s capital Inverness. To help complete their bid for the competition, Inverness and the other eight longlisted cities will receive £60,000 to be put towards developments. This funding has jumped from £40,000 that was given in the last competition.
The other cities Inverness is up against are Blackpool, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon and Wrexham. This competition will be used to help shine light on local visions and voices in the cities, as well as encourage further local investment.
While the overall winner will receive the hefty prize pot, the three next most impressive bids will get £125,000 each so they can continue with some of their planned projects to help spread cultural pride in the area. Each city in the longlist was recommended by an expert advisory panel from across the UK.
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Following the announcement, Convener of The Highland Council Councillor Bill Lobban has hailed Inverness making the longlist as an “extraordinary moment”, reports the Scotsman.
He said: “I am delighted that Inverness and the Highlands have been longlisted for UK City of Culture. This is an extraordinary moment which recognises the creativity, resilience and cultural richness of communities spread across one of the most unique and diverse regions in the UK.
“This bid celebrates our landscapes, our languages, our young people and our shared ambition for a confident, connected and sustainable future. We are delighted to take this next step and to showcase the Highlands as a place where culture drives opportunity, innovation and pride.”
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This announcement comes shortly after Inverness opened its new £39million Inverness Castle experience, with the museum having served as a sheriff court and prison up until 2020.
Additionally, the UK Government has started its first-ever Town of Culture competition. With over 230 towns from across the UK having already thrown their hat into the ring, other towns are being urged to register before the deadline closes on March 31, 2026.
From the three finalists – one small town, one medium town, and one large town – the winner will earn the title of the UK Town of Culture 2028 and will receive a £3million prize.
Meanwhile, the two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to implement parts of their bid, from a refresh to community infrastructure to electric music festivals.
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Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “For far too long, opportunity has not been shared equally across the country. The UK City of Culture and new UK Town of Culture competitions recognise the enormous contributions made by communities all over the UK who are all part of the story of who we are as a nation.
“I look forward to seeing what the nine longlisted places have in store as they progress in the competition. I also urge any towns thinking about entering the UK Town of Culture competition to seize this opportunity and get involved.
“It’s a chance to show the country what makes them unique and shine a spotlight on their cultural offer, enriching the lives of local people.”
The 11-year-old was struck by an electric Sur-Ron-style motorcycle on Denton Road, Scotswood, Newcastle, at about 5.30pm on Tuesday, March 3. The rider of the motorcycle had left the scene.
The boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries, including a broken leg, and continues to recover.
Four e-bikes police are seeking to trace after serious injury hit and run (Image: Northumbria Police)
Following the incident, an investigation was immediately launched by Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit.
Officers later arrested two 14-year-old boys on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
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Another boy, also aged 14, was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving.
All three have since been released on police bail, pending further inquiries.
Officers involved in the case today (Wednesday March 18) have issued new images to the public in a bid to trace four motorbikes of interest, and the riders through their clothing.
The identities of those pictured has been hidden, to protect the ongoing investigation as police look to trace the bikes in question.
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Police appeal Denton Road hit and run (Image: Northumbria Police)
Newcastle e-bike hit and run, police appeal (Image: Northumbria Police)
Denton Road hit and run police appeal (Image: Northumbria Police)
Denton Road e-bike it and run appeal (Image: Northumbria Police)
They are especially keen to hear from anyone who has seen any of the bikes in the community or knows where they might be being stored.
Officers would also like to speak to more witnesses who may have further CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage of the incident, or the moments leading up to the collision.
Members of the public can get in touch by sending a direct message on social media, or by using the ‘live chat’ function or ‘report’ forms on the force’s website.
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For those unable to get in touch in those ways, they are advised to ring 101.
Callers are asked to quote incident reference number: NP-20260303-0798.
Jadon Sancho is coming towards the end of his loan spell with Aston Villa and looks set to become a free agent when his contract at Manchester United expires in June
The 23-time England international is currently on loan at Aston Villa, his third spell away from Old Trafford since joining the Red Devils for £73million in 2021. Sancho’s switch to Villa was a dry loan, with no option to buy included.
Although Villa boss Unai Emery recently hinted at keeping the forward, Dortmund are circling. The Times report that after choosing not to target any wingers last summer – due to Nico Kovac’s insistance on playing a 3-4-2-1 formation – the Dortmund manager has changed his mind and approved a move for Sancho.
The former Dortmund star would, however, need to take a significant pay cut on his £300,000-a-week wages at United in order to secure a return to the Signal Iduna Park. Sancho made his name with the Bundesliga club, who signed him from Manchester City in 2017.
Kovac’s side have cash in reserve for the summer transfer window after deciding to let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Sule and Salih Ozcan run out. Dortmund will therefore save roughly £21million in annual wages and are optimistic that they can convince Sancho, who’s free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club from abroad.
The 25-year-old spent half a season back at Dortmund in 2024 after he was cast aside by ex-United boss Erik ten Hag. Sancho helped them reach the Champions League final but a permanent move never materialised.
The same happened when Sancho joined Chelsea on loan last season, with the Blues even paying a £5million penalty fee not to sign him permanently. Villa snapped him up on transfer deadline day in September but he’s struggled to make an impact.
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Should Aston Villa sign Jadon Sancho permanently? Have your say in the comments section.
In 29 appearances across all competitions, Sancho has registered one goal and one assist. However, Emery sees potential in him.
Asked in February whether he’d considered signing Sancho permanently, the Villa manager replied: “Not yet, but he is a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by increasing his qualities in our structure like he is doing.
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“He will need another contract, and maybe it could be here. If he plays his best football, we will want him. But also other teams could be involved in the interest for him.”
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If your body skin is permanently parched, these expert-approved hydrators promise smoother, softer results without any grease or stickiness. (Picture: Metro/Getty)
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
Dry body skin is very common, and while it’s frustrating dealing with scaly skin, cracked elbows or all-over tightness when you step out of the shower, there are plenty of products that can help.
As a beauty journalist, I’m constantly testing products, so I’ve made my way through my fair share of empties, spanning super expensive body oils that cost upwards of £50, to thrifty high-street finds that are a little over a fiver.
That said, it’s easier said than done to add moisturising every day to your to-do list – often it can be that one step you just can’t be bothered with, especially if you’re rushing out the door in the morning in a hurry.
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I get it. That’s why in this roundup, you’ll find a mix of rich, lavish body butters when you have all the time in the world to indulge, alongside convenient and practical spray moisturisers that barely need to be rubbed in.
My top picks also include a hand cream my eczema-prone skin can’t be without when it’s cold, and the underrated shower gel that keeps any irritation at bay from the moment I step into the shower.
The best body products for dry skin
E45 Daily Hydrating Lotion Spray Moisturiser
I get it, sometimes you just can’t be bothered to moisturise every day, on top of washing your hair, getting enough sleep and keeping up with your skincare routine.
That’s exactly why I love a functional spray moisturiser, and this no frills option from E45 ticks every box.
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Just liberally spritz all over your skin, lightly rub in, and you’re good to go.
It’s particularly ideal if you don’t love heavier textures like an oil or body butter, while also being safe for eczema-prone skin.
It’s fragrance-free, suitable for babies, kids, and adults, and is a bargain.
Vaseline’s Gluta-Hya Overnight Radiance Serum Burst Lotion is a standout favourite for keeping my skin soft and supple before bed.
It’s a weightless jelly texture that bursts into water droplets when you rub it in to leave behind dewy, soft skin with not a hint of dryness.
You don’t need to spend ages applying it either, it sinks into the skin within seconds and outperforms many luxurious body butters and oils I’ve tried in the past.
This is a glorious body butter that I love so much, I’m onto my fifth tub.
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It smells incredible, thanks to the subtle vanilla and coconut scent, but the rich, creamy texture is what keeps me coming back.
When I’m feeling lazy, I often apply it straight to damp skin as soon as I step out of the shower, and it rubs in twice as fast.
It improves texture, dryness on my knees, ankles and elbows and is packed with a cocktail of ingredients including shea butter, squalane, peptide and glycerine that hydrate and moisturise long-term.
I always keep a tub close by, not just because I can’t get enough of the fresh scent, but because it’s a reliable favourite when I want something that rubs in quickly, improves dry skin in a couple of days and doesn’t break the bank.
It never irritates the eczema that shows up around my ankles and all over my knuckles when the weather is cold, and it doesn’t leave me feeling sticky.
Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church is struggling to support all those who need help (Picture: Getty/ Metro/Olivia Murrell)
A central London church where Martin Luther King Jr preached has said they are overwhelmed by the number of homeless people needing help.
Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church said rough sleeping in the capital is ‘out of control’ and ‘beyond anything the church can solve’.
Other churches and charities joined their call for more action and investment from City Hall to address the crisis.
Bloomsbury Central has teamed up with street artist Endless to erect a 7ft statue to highlight the scale of the problem.
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Revd Dr Woodman (left) and Endless (right) have teamed to call for more action on homelessness (Picture: Olivia Murrell)
A record 210,000 Londoners are homeless and living in temporary accommodation, including an estimated 102,000 homeless children.
There are also record numbers of rough sleepers in the capital, at more than 13,000 as of July last year, according to Trust for London.
That represents a 400% increase compared to 2008/2009, despite City Hall’s budget for rough sleeping having gone up fivefold under Sadiq Khan.
Dr Simon Woodman, the minister at Minster of Bloomsbury, said there has been a ‘huge rise in people sleeping on the streets’ since Covid.
He told Metro: ‘I frequently find someone sleeping on the doorstep of the church.
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‘We have people sleeping out the back of the church. It is constant in this area and is definitely getting worse.
‘This situation is getting out of control. It is too big.’
The 7ft statue has the 210,000 figure emblazoned on it (Picture: Olivia Murrell)
Latest London news
To get the latest news from the capital, visit Metro’s London news hub.
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The church has a long history of helping homeless people and let around 15 people sleep in their basement every night as part of Camden’s night shelter scheme, run by C4WS charity.
Revd Woodman said churches like Bloomsbury Central, where Martin Luther King Jr held his first sermon on British soil in 1961, are being overly relied upon by politicians to tackle rough sleeping.
He said: ‘Churches are the safety net. We are not the solution.
‘We need more action at a political level and wider systemic change in the way homelessness is addressed in London.’
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In an effort to put pressure on those in power to act, he agreed to let street artist Endless to put up a new artwork on the church.
The artist’s installation features a life-size mural of a person experiencing homelessness and the large number ‘210,000’ representing the number of homeless in the capital.
Endless, whose work has been included in the permanent collection of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, told Metro: ‘As a Londoner doing street art for 10 years, I have seen the increase in the homeless population.
A ‘tent city’ lines parts of Tottenham Court Road near Bloomsbury Central (Picture: Getty Images)
‘We need more people to notice the problem and the communicate about it.
‘Because the Church is in such a central position in London, we hope it will attract more eyes on the issues.’
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Other charities and churches joined in calls for more to be done to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in London.
The Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields, which runs out of the iconic St Martin-in-the-Fields church in Trafalgar Square, said more investment was needed into key resources to support rough sleepers.
The charity’s CEO Pam Orchard told Metro: ‘We are sadly seeing increasing stories of hardship every single day at St Martin-in-the-Fields, here in the heart of the capital.
‘Until we see a substantial increase in investment in affordable and suitable social housing as well as mental health and addiction services, services like ours will continue to be used by the most vulnerable in our society.’
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The number of rough sleepers have reached record highs in London(Picture: Getty Images)
In December 2025, Mayor Khan launched a new London Ending Homelessness Accelerator Programme, backed with £3.5m worth of investment.
The Robes Project, which supports people experiencing homelessness in Lambeth and Southwark, said the sector was also facing a 10% drop in donations.
‘We believe it takes a village to support someone out of homelessness, and that everyone has a part they can play,’ CEO Lisa Moodie added.
The Conservatives joined in the criticisms of how Sadiq Khan has handled homelessness and housebuilding in London.
Sir James Cleverly, the Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said Labour’s record in the capital had been one of ‘failure’.
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He added: ‘Things are especially bad in Labour-run London, where housebuilding has totally collapsed and Sadiq Khan is plumbing depths of failure not seen the Second World War.
‘This just means more competition for fewer homes.’
Sadiq Khan has pledged to eradicate homelessness by 2030 (Picture: Thomas Krych/Anadolu via Getty Images)
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London touted Mr Khan’s success at helping 20,000 people off London’s streets in his bid to eradicate rough sleeping by 2030.
The statement said: ‘The Mayor is clear that no one should have to sleep rough on our streets and every Londoner deserves a safe and secure home.
‘Sadiq is continuing to lead from the front in London and has supported nearly 20,000 people off the capital’s streets since he became Mayor in 2016.
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‘This winter, the Mayor has funded new prevention programmes to help those in greatest need, building on the £10m investment he made last year – more than any Mayor – establishing a network of ending homelessness hubs covering the whole of the capital.
‘The Mayor remains committed to ending rough sleeping in London by 2030 but clearly there is still more to do and Sadiq will continue working closely with partners, the Government, councils, and experts to build a safer, fairer London for everyone.’
The Senegal national football side has just been stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The decision,following misconduct in the tournament final, is controversial but far from unique. It is only the latest example in a string of titles or results being removed in sport.
Ben Johnson 1988
Canada’s Ben Johnson shocked the world with a record-breaking time of 9.79secs in the final of the 100m sprint to secure the gold medal at the Olympics in 1988.
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His performance was the talk of the Games – but just three days later, his reputation was in tatters.
The International Olympic Committee said a sample from the athlete had tested positive for steroids and he had been stripped of his title and disqualified from the Games.
American sprinter Carl Lewis was instead awarded the title for his new American record of 9.92secs in what was one of the most controversial chapters in top-level sport.
Gold medal overturned 18 months on
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This week has also seen another result overturned – 18 months after it was recorded.
Image: Adaejah Hodge. File pic: Reuters
Adaejah Hodge, a sprinter from the British Virgin Islands, picked up gold in the 200m of the 2024 junior world athletics championships in Peru.
Samples taken from the runner found banned substances – GW501516 sulfone and GW501516 sulfoxide.
The Athletics Integrity Unit agreed she had not taken them intentionally. But she was handed a two-year ban, with seven months suspended.
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It meant she lost her 200m title from August 2024. It was awarded instead to Australia’s Torrie Lewis.
Arsenal-Sheffield United FA Cup controversy
The Gunners beat Sheffield United 2-1 in an FA Cup fifth round tie at Highbury in 1999 – but in controversial circumstances.
The Blades kicked the ball out of play to allow a player to receive treatment. But after the resulting throw-in, Arsenal didn’t return possession and instead broke up field for Marc Overmars to score the winning goal.
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Image: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger offered Sheffield United a replay. File pic: Reuters
The furore over the incident gripped the sporting headlines, and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger ended up offering United the chance to wipe the result and replay the tie.
Ten days later the match was played again at Highbury. It ended with the same result – a 2-1 victory for Arsenal.
Bundesliga result changed
In December 2024, Bochum and Union Berlin drew 1-1 in the German Bundesliga.
But after a bad tempered game, Bochum protested about the result due to their goalkeeper Patrick Drewes needing lengthy treatment when he was hit by a lighter thrown from the crowd.
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Image: Bochum’s Patrick Drewes reacts after being hit by a lighter. Pic: Reuters
Drewes did not play on. That left Bochum putting striker Philipp Hoffman in goal as they had already used their substitutes.
Both teams failed to launch any meaningful attacks and the game ended in a draw. But the German Football Association later awarded the game to Bochum, recording a 2-0 victory.
A court later upheld the move despite an appeal from Berlin.
Image: Lance Armstrong pictured in 2005. Pic: Reuters
It came after the American cyclist said he was dropping his fight against the agency’s charges that he used performance-enhancing drugs to win the most prestigious event in the sport from 1999 to 2005.
The USADA claimed the cyclist used banned substances including the blood-booster EPO and steroids, as well as blood transfusions.
Armstrong had insisted he was innocent and sued in a federal court to block the charges, but lost.
Detective Inspector Mark Braithwaite, from the Met’s serious collision investigation unit, said last week: “We are interested in speaking to anyone who saw the incident, but has not yet spoken to police, and would ask them to come forward as soon as possible. We are also particularly interested in dash cam footage or CCTV.”
Firefighters found the moped alight when they arrived
A moped was deliberately set on fire in a Cambridgeshire suburb. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue were called to the fire in Jury Road, Hampton Vale, Peterborough at around 2am today (Wednesday, March 18).
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Firefighters found a moped alight on arrival. A fire spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.11am this morning to reports of a fire in the open on Jury Road in Peterborough.
“A crew from Stanground attended and found a moped on fire. They extinguished the fire and returned to their station by 2.50am.”
The fire was determined to have been started deliberate. Cambridgeshire Police has been contacted for more information.
Synergy Theatre Project brings prisoners, ex-prisoners, and young people at risk of offending to the stage – challenging how society sees them, and how they see themselves
The prison guard shouldn’t help the old man who is lying on the floor of his cell – but he does. He shouldn’t help him change out of his clothes, which are wet because he had an accident in the night – but he does that too. But only after checking that no one is watching. Aiding a prisoner in this way is against union rules due to the risk of injury. The alternative? A two-hour wait for assistance.
This act of quiet compassion forms part of Lifers, a play by the Synergy Theatre Project that explores ageing and dignity behind bars. It’s a scene that lingers – raising questions about humanity, ethics and empathy within the prison system.
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“We commissioned this play to raise public awareness about ageing in prisons,” says Esther Baker, the director of Lifers, who founded the theatre group in 2000 – working with prisoners, ex-prisoners and young offenders. “But it’s morally complex, it raises a lot of questions about human rights and ethics in prisons.”
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The number of older prisoners in the UK has increased dramatically. According to a report by the Prison Reform Trust, the number of inmates over 50 almost tripled between 2003 and 2023, rising from 5,000 to almost 15,000. They now account for one in six prisoners: many will die in prison.
Prisoners, says Baker, are too often ignored – regarded merely as a number in a report, a statistic on a page. But Baker believes theatre can help people understand the lives of prisoners and ex-offenders in ways official reports cannot. “There is something very powerful about live performance,” she says. “It impacts hearts and minds and humanises the stories.”
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Founded after Baker’s experiences teaching drama in prisons during the 1990s, Synergy Theatre Project has grown from a one-woman initiative into a leading arts charity. Starting with an award from the Butler Trust in 2000, and a first play done “on a shoestring”, Synergy now has eight permanent members of staff and funding from Arts Council England and the London Community Foundation.
The charity usually produces two major public-facing performances each year. All include ex-offenders. The Lifers production for example involved five ex-offenders – two assistant stage managers, two assistant directors and one member of the cast.
The aim is to provide a greater understanding of those in the criminal justice system or working within it, and performances are often followed by panel discussions featuring ex-prisoners and criminal justice experts.
The theatre group also stages plays inside institutions such as Brixton, Thameside and Downview, a women’s prison in Surrey – with the cast made up of prisoners. Performances inside institutions are put on predominantly by the prisoners for the prisoners, but separate shows are organised for prisoners’ families and staff. Some members of the public can also attend if they register interest via the charity’s mailing list. “It creates quite an atmosphere in prison when you do a show,” Baker says. “It brings people together, like a big family.”
There is something very powerful about live performance. It impacts hearts and minds and humanises the stories
Beyond live performances, Synergy Theatre Project runs theatre-based training programmes for prisoners, ex-prisoners, young offenders and young people at risk. These programmes use creativity to build confidence and offer practical skills that can lead to employment. “There’s a lot of damage in prisons,” says Baker. “Our work is about engagement, building confidence and creating pathways into the creative industries as well.”
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Many who pass through the charity’s courses go on to work in theatre, film and television. Ric Renton, whose most recent credits include writing and performing in Waiting For The Out, a six-part BBC One drama, is one of their number. “Synergy is responsible for me being where I am today,” he says. Renton had a troubled upbringing and spent time in HMP Durham, where he learned to read and write. After his release, he attended one of Synergy’s playwriting courses for ex-offenders. “There was an exhibition about Pink Floyd at the V&A, and we had to write something in response to it. I wrote about mental illness and off the back of that was invited to pitch to the Soho Theatre,” he says.
The theatre commissioned Renton’s first play, Nothing and a Butterfly, based on his life experience, which he developed with Synergy. The title is a reference to how prison guards let other guards know someone has died in the wing when doing the headcount, and it led to him getting his first agent.
For Renton, the biggest benefit of working with Synergy was that the charity provided a way into an arts and media world, from which he’d previously been excluded. “They had the contacts and pathways. They really helped in a practical sense,” he says. “I’ve worked with them for eight years now, and seen so many examples of people they’ve helped, those who are usually ignored or thought badly of – they take the hopeless and give them hope.”
Daniella Henry first experienced Synergy through an acting workshop while in prison at HMP Downview. “We did The Gut Girls. It’s set in the 1800s and they speak in old English,” she says. “When I first got the script, I didn’t understand a thing or think I’d enjoy it, but I loved it so much.”
Henry was in prison for four and a half years – the acting was exciting and gave her belief in herself. When she was released from prison in February this year, she immediately went to work on a Synergy production of Providers, an award-winning play about family, money and a future that feels out of reach.
I’ve seen so many people they’ve helped, those who are usually ignored or thought badly of – they take the hopeless and give them hope
Coming out of prison was overwhelming for Henry but, she says, Providers gave her a reason to get out of bed and reconnect with people. “For years, I’d only been around criminals. People think the worst of you,” she says. “It’s helped me find my purpose and if I hadn’t had that, I don’t know where I’d be now.” Henry is now meeting casting directors and agents and hoping to line up more acting work.
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Synergy Theatre Project’s work with young people is particularly significant given that juvenile reoffending rates currently sit at 34.2%, according to government figures. The charity employs ex-prisoners as facilitators on youth projects, which helps break down barriers and build trust.
The theatre group hopes to tour Lifers around the UK in 2026, and to revive Providers, the play Henry starred in, in collaboration with Brixton House theatre in south London.
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