SHOPPERS have just a few more days to get a glimpse of a unique theatre project showcasing what life is like behind bars.

For the past week, a vacant shop at the Mill Gate Centre has been transformed into a replica prison cell for the Go To Jail exhibition, which has been organised by The Met during its renovation.

The project allows members of the public to interact with two performers, both of whom are former inmates, to gain an insight into the realities of prison life.

Saul Hewish, who co-developed the project for arts collective Rideout, said: "It's an exact replica of a prison cell. It is designed for one person, but prisons often have to put two people in because of the overcrowding situation.

"The actors playing the role of prisoners have all been to prison themselves, though the stories they tell here are fictional.

"It gives shoppers who visit an opportunity to interact with the prison system in a way that most people would not be able to.

"We are then asking people to complete a survey to give us feedback and give their opinion on how long a sentence the prisoners should be serving.

"It's a way of helping to change people's attitudes. We have had people come in saying they don't care about prisoners but when they leave it's like they are best friends."

The cell measures 3.7m by 2.5m and contains a bunk bed, two chairs, a desk unit, sink, toilet and a mirror.

Jennifer Joseph is one of the former inmates taking part in the exhibition and values the opportunity to warn young people about what prison is really like.

The 47-year-old, who served 10 months at Bronzefield and Downview prisons, said: "What we really want to do is reach out to young people, and I really like the reaction we get from them.

"They find out that prison is a scary place. This cell is such a small space and they can be even smaller than this.

"A lot of them realise what a brutal reality prison is when they visit us.

"I served time in two very different places. When I was in Bronzefield I adapted to my surroundings, but Downview was a real shock to the system for me.

"It looked like a scene from Porridge. I sat in my cell for two days straight, didn't change my clothes or do anything. I didn't cope with change well at all."

The exhibition is open until Saturday in the shopping centre's Minden Parade.

Admission is free.