WINNER OF 2025 UK THEATRE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ARTS EDUCATION,

When Tyler meets G, he thinks he might finally have made a new friend. One who helps him and his sister pay the electric bill, who teaches him to walk with confidence, who fights back against his bullies. So when G asks for something in return, something simple, how can Tyler say no? After all, it’s just a favour between friends – isn’t it?

Cross the Line uses the power of theatre to develop understanding, empathy, and knowledge for young people across the borough around gang culture and exploitation. Cross The Line is written by Azuka Oforka, directed by Philip J Morris, set and costume design by Georgia Wilmot, lighting design by George Ogilvie, sound design by Michael Asante and creative consulting by Paul Rattray. G will be played by Sam Glyde-Rees and Tyler will be played by Romario Williams.

The production has toured primary schools, youth clubs and pupil referral units within Hammersmith and Fulham for free, and now takes up a residency in the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s Studio from 6 – 18 July, with dedicated LBHF schools performances and public performances open to all. Cross The Line is a collaboration between the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham’s Gangs Violence Exploitation Unit (GVEU)  developed as an educational intervention for young people to support the reduction of future crime within West London.

The pioneering unit forms part of H&F’s crime fighting services. It supports young people aged 10-25 in the borough who are, or at risk of becoming a, victim of gang-related violence and exploitation. Backed by a £1million investment, it brings together council professionals and H&F-funded police officers to reduce organised crime and provide early intervention. The unit has supported 184 local young people and families through programmes such as Cross the Line and projects that offer positive diversionary activities.

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.”

Tickets for public performances are on sale now at lyric.co.uk.