Like the television series, the musical is set in HMP Larkhall and starts at the beginning of the series' story. New Wing Governor, Helen Stewart, battles against officers Jim Fenner and Sylvia 'Bodybag' Hollamby, as well as her love for convicted murderer, Nikki Wade. The plot of the musical focuses on the death of inmate Rachel Hicks and guard Jim Fenner's efforts to deflect any suspicion that falls on him. The romance between lifer inmate Nikki Wade and Wing Governor Helen Stewart is a sub-plot.