A theatre company for convicts in Putney is preparing for a second run of their critically-acclaimed production in a central London theatre.

Established in 1999, the Synergy Theatre Project works towards reforming serving and ex-prisoners through theatre performances.

After a sell-out run and glowing reviews earlier this year, the Long Road returns in November for a three week run at the Soho Theatre.

Ether Baker, artistic director and founder of Synergy, believes the plays not only challenge society’s stereotypes of prisoners but also gives the prisoners themselves a sense of worth and direction after leaving prison.

She said: “Our work is founded on the belief that theatre can be transformative and challenges perceptions of both prisoners and society, building a more positive future. We are committed to artistic excellence, believing it to be an integral part of achieving this purpose.

“The productions had a deep impact on all those involved, from participants to public and prison audiences and these remain at the core of Synergy's work, both inside and outside prisons.”

Synergy's work includes 11 productions with prisoners and ex-prisoners, three crime prevention projects, a pilot radio project, national prison script writing competition and a play commission.

Productions in prisons involve a two-month, part-time rehearsal process and culminates in performances to fellow prisoners and an invited audience including the cast's families and friends.

Ex-prisoner productions are performed to audiences including family members, friends and the public can have a positive impact on participants' self-esteem and family relationships which in turn, can affect their behaviour and potentially influence future decisions.

Ms Baker, who taught in prisons for 15 years, said: “You have to be a little bit mad to do this job but I love helping these guys. After a while you do see change in them which is so rewarding but then it can be so heartfelt when you see them reoffend and go back to prison.

“When they come out of prison they need practical help with housing, education and employment and it seems there not a great deal of help out there - that’s where we come in.”

One actor, Mark, a former Wandsworth Prison inmate, was employed as stage manager in a Synergy production soon after his release.

He was later accepted on a media degree at Goldsmith’s University where he is completing his final year - he continues to work with Synergy on a range of projects.

• The Long Road returns to the Soho Theatre from November 10-29. For more information and booking details visit sohotheatre.com or call 020 7478 0100.