Behind These Doors by Alex South

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Behind These Doors by Alex South: Episode 4

Episode 4

BBC Radio 4 - Behind These Doors by Alex South, Episode 4

Wormwood Scrubs in West London is one of the country’s most famous prisons.

The author transfers to HMP Wormwood Scrubs as a senior officer in a Victorian prison that houses 1,300 inmates. Drugs, phones and other contraband are commonplace.

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

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Factual

Alex South spent ten years as a prison officer. This is her account of what it was like.

Book of the Week. After six months training, Alex South began her career as an officer at a high security men's prison in Cambridgeshire. This is her account of what it was like.

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Episode 4

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