Clean Break is a feminist theatre company started in 1979 by Jenny Hicks and Jackie Holborough, whilst inmates of HMP Askham Grange. Upon their release they formed the theatre company, in order to tell the hidden stories of women in prison. The company also organises residencies in women's prisons in the UK, using directors, playwrights and actors to work with inmates to create their own work. In 1998 the company moved from its base in Camden to a refurbished building in Kentish Town.
The playwright Lucy Kirkwood, is writer in residence at Clean Break. Productions include Sam Holcroft's Dancing Bears at the Soho Theatre, Little on the inside by Alice Birch at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014 and Pests by Vivienne Franzmann (a co-production with Royal Court Theatre & Royal Exchange Theatre 2014.
Clean Break trustee Alice Millest was named Young Board Member of the Year at the 2014 Arts & Business Awards.
Clean Break were shortlisted for the Guardian Charity of the Year Awards in 2014 and received a Highly Commended Award from the Longford Trust.