THE all-female company Through The Gap Theatre explore the stigma associated with women offenders in their dynamic new play Through The Gap at the York Theatre Royal Studio on Monday night.

Over the past year, Georgie Fishkin, Casey Fox, Jodie Glover, Kate Higgins and Jessica Robson have been working in association with the York St John University Prison Partnership Project to create the piece through a devising process.

Stories were gathered from women with experience of the criminal justice system, leading to the hard-hitting and visceral show that examines what it means to be a woman in prison, from losing a sense of identity to looking towards the future.

Through The Gap Theatre's production has emerged from the York Theatre Royal graduate prize, awarded each year to a final-year student or group of students studying theatre at York St John. As well as recognising the excellence of the work produced by the university's theatre students, the prize also represents the Theatre Royal and York St John's commitment to assisting creative students in the post-graduation transition to professional arts practice.

The prize was judged by a panel that included Theatre Royal artistic director Damian Cruden and associate director Juliet Forster. The prize winners received a period of artistic mentoring at the Theatre Royal and the opportunity to present work at the theatre this autumn.

Juliet Forster said of the award: "The Through The Gap company demonstrated an extraordinary level of performance skill and sensitivity in adapting real women’s stories for the stage, creating an exciting, memorable and moving piece. We are delighted to be working with such a dynamic and passionate young company."

Jessica Robson said on behalf of all five students: "We're so grateful for winning the prize and feel very humbled and overwhelmed with the great feedback. We're very excited to be working with the York Theatre Royal over the next year and to be given a chance to perform our show again at the theatre. Thank you to York St John and York Theatre Royal for selecting us for the prize and providing us with this opportunity".

Tickets for Monday's 7.45pm performance cost £5 from the Theatre Royal box office in person, on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk