Behind These Doors is a vividly honest interrogation of what it is like to live and work in the UK prison system. The individuals Alex South introduces us to are, for the most part, living on the margins of society and the impact of the cycles of violence that so often accompany those lives is clear to see.

Alex takes us by the hand, behind the gates and through security into prison cells, and shared kitchens, to meet men who will surprise and shock us in equal measure, as well as prison officers who struggle with the physical and emotional challenges the job presents.

This is an unflinching and eye-opening depiction of life in prison and its many devastating and sometimes inspiring, consequences.

The names, offences and identifying features of all individuals described have been altered.

The opening and closing recordings made in a UK prison are used with kind permission of the Prison Radio Association. Find out more here : https://prison.radio

Written by Alex South
Read by Hattie Morahan
Abridged by Jill Waters
Produced by Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4 Show less