Following its recent win at the 2025 UK Theatre Awards for Excellence in Arts Education, Cross the Line will return in 2026.
Written by Azuka Oforka and directed by Philip J Morris, Cross the Line is a theatre intervention production created for Year 6 and Year 7 students, exploring the realities of county lines in West London.
The production will tour primary schools, youth clubs and pupil referral units across Hammersmith and Fulham for free. It will then play in the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s Studio from 6 – 18 July 2026, with dedicated LBHF schools performances and public performances open to all.
Tickets for public performances are now on sale at lyric.co.uk. [nightlondon.co.uk]
Developed in collaboration with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham’s Gangs Violence Exploitation Unit (GVEU), Cross the Line aims to reduce future crime through education and early intervention.
The GVEU supports young people aged 10–25 who are at risk of gang-related violence and exploitation. Backed by a £1million investment, the unit has supported 184 local young people and families through initiatives like Cross the Line.
Using the power of theatre, Cross the Line helps young people develop empathy and understanding around gang culture and exploitation.
The story follows Tyler, who meets G and believes he’s found a friend—someone who helps him and his sister pay the bills, boosts his confidence, and stands up to bullies. But when G asks for a favour in return, Tyler must decide what friendship really means.
The creative team includes set and costume design by Georgia Wilmot, lighting design by George Ogilvie, sound design by Michael Asante, and creative consulting by Paul Rattray. Sam Glyde-Rees will play G, and Romario Williams will play Tyler.
Rachel O’Riordan, Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, said:
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Hammersmith & Fulham to bring Cross The Line back to the borough in 2026. The Lyric has always been committed to using the power of theatre to inspire young people and advance social justice: the overwhelming response from audiences to our first tour demonstrated that this production does exactly that. By taking the show back on the road, and this year opening up performances in our Studio Theatre, we’ll be able to give even more people the opportunity to experience this powerful story and ultimately make real change to the safety of young people in West London.”
Cllr Rebecca Harvey, H&F Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, said:
“Together with our partners at the Lyric, we’ve given more than a thousand young people the knowledge they need to recognise exploitation and stay safe. This is just one way that we’re working to make Hammersmith & Fulham stronger, safer and kinder.”
Teachers and youth workers in Hammersmith and Fulham who wish to book a visit from the touring production or reserve free tickets for LBHF schools performances should email [email protected].
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
