New play exploring the untold stories of children with parents behind bars comes to Greater Manchester

This October, a gripping new production exploring the rarely told stories of children impacted by parental imprisonment is set to captivate audiences at Waterside Arts, Sale.

8 Hours There and Back, by the innovative theatre company All Things Considered, offers a deeply emotional and thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of children forced to navigate a world that isn’t built for them.

8 Hours There and Back

Premiering on Friday, October 18th at 7:30 p.m., 8 Hours There and Back is a powerful blend of theatre, dance, and projections that brings to life the raw testimonies of young people whose parents are behind bars.

Through the eyes of Ruby, Jake, and Grace, the play delves into how the criminal justice system—designed by adults—often overlooks the emotional and social toll on the children left behind.

“We schedule our lives around prison visits and phone calls, clashing with football practice, dance lessons, birthday parties, and school,” said one of the characters, echoing the real-life stories that inspired the play.

“We move in with our nans, uncles, and aunties, keeping our heads down, dodging questions at school—trying to blend in and be normal.”

300,000 kids in the UK live with parents in prison

For the 300,000 children in the UK living with the trauma of a parent’s incarceration, normal is a far cry from reality.

8 Hours There and Back is the culmination of three years of collaborative work between All Things Considered, Time Matters UK, Families Outside, and Unity Theatre Liverpool, aiming to give a voice to these often-forgotten young people.

With its poignant message, the production explores not just the emotional weight these children carry but also the systemic failures that make their lives even more challenging.

As one testimony highlighted: “It’s horrible for the person in prison, but it’s the family on the outside who has to live with it… and the outside is a lot bigger.”

This project is also backed by key organisations supporting families affected by parental imprisonment, including NEPACS, PACT, Jigsaw, Clinks, POPs, and Out There, ensuring that the play resonates with those who know these struggles firsthand.

The production arrives at a time when there is growing recognition of the need for child-centred policies around parental imprisonment.

A recent government report from July 2024 emphasised the importance of a rights-based approach to minimise harm to these children, with initiatives like Pact providing trauma-informed support and resources to help them cope.

Arts Council England and the National Lottery’s Reaching Communities fund

Supported by Arts Council England and the National Lottery’s Reaching Communities fund, 8 Hours There and Back promises to be more than just a play—it’s a platform for sparking important conversations and hopefully, change.

Following the 70-minute performance, there will be a post-show discussion, allowing the audience to engage directly with the themes and stories presented on stage.

Tickets for 8 Hours There and Back at Waterside Arts, Sale

Waterside Arts, in partnership with Out There, is also offering opportunities for local families affected by these issues to attend the performance, ensuring this vital story reaches those who need it most.

For tickets and information, please click here

Tickets are priced at £12, with a special £8 offer available. The performance is suitable for audiences aged 12 and above.