Inside Raskolnikov’s world: Crime and Punishment

Charlie Hammond’s Raskolnikov was rarely absent from the stage. In BSA’s Crime and Punishment, the audience followed the murderer through a world increasingly governed by guilt and suspicion.

Final-year Diploma actors performed Chris Hannan’s adaptation at Tobacco Factory Theatres from 4–6 June 2026, supported by students on the Technical Theatre Arts degree. Cameron Thorne directed and Ryan Webster designed the production.

Hammond played opposite Lukas Gregory as the examining magistrate Porfiry, with Polly June Irwin as Sonya. Writing for Bristol24/7, Tom Dewey singled out the performances and Webster’s use of the theatre’s industrial character. He described the production as “impressively ambitious and psychologically taut”.

The collaboration brought two parts of BSA together around the same demanding piece of work: the Diploma company on stage and degree students contributing backstage.

Sources: Bristol24/7