It was last used as a prison in the nineteenth century, but this month three 'fundraising felons' were put behind bars in a cell at Norwich Castle.

The trio felt the long arm of the law when they were 'arrested' on Friday and told they would not be released until they had raised thousands of pounds for Norwich Theatre Royal's new Stage Two learning and participation centre.

The cellmates included Norwich Theatre Royal's outgoing chief executive Peter Wilson, Iain Mawson, a partner at M+A Partners, and Richard Aldous, head of new homes for Savills in Norwich.

They spent about three hours locked up, from 2pm to 5pm last Friday, and raised more than £5,000 for Stage Two.

Mr Wilson, who is leaving the Theatre Royal in December after 25 years as chief executive, said: 'Richard and Iain were ideal cell mates for someone who has been 'in' for nearly 25 years.

'I'd like to thank everyone at Savills and M+A for their support for Stage Two, raising money by having fun.'

The jail and bail fundraiser was organised by Inspir8tion, a group of young Norwich professionals with the twin aims of networking and raising funds for Stage Two.

Vicki Hackett, of Savills and who spearheads Inspir8tion, said: 'The theatre is a huge part of Norfolk life and the work it does with children and young people is fantastic so we are keen to help as much as we can.'

The Theatre Royal's £3m Stage Two venue aims to provide a huge boost to the Theatre Royal's work in education while also offering more opportunities for people of all ages.

The recently-opened building includes a flexible performing space with seating for up to 100 people as well as rehearsal spaces, dressing rooms and a light industrial workshop.

About 60pc of the funding for Stage Two is secured, with more grant applications submitted and a public appeal under way.

For more information, visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk/stagetwo