Best known as author of novels including 'Hideous Kinky' (oh, and as a bloke called Sigmund's great-grandaughter), Esther Freud is taking her first step into the world of theatre. Her debut play is inspired by real-life prison reformer, the wonderfully named Lady Anne Tree, who'll be played by award-winning stage actor Sinéad Cusack.
Lady Anne Tree's answer to the aggression, low self-esteem and boredom she saw in prisons was to teach the inmates embroidery. The result was Fine Cell Work, a project where prisoners put their handicrafts up for sale. Freud's take on the story is directed by Gaby Dellal, known for films including 'Three Generations'.