Crossing the Line

Following a successful scratch performance at the Festival in 2025, Crossing the Line returned as a full-scale production, touring regional venues as part of Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2026. Adapted from the award-winning novel by Tia Fisher, this powerful drama explores the devastating impact of county lines exploitation and the resilience and strength that can emerge in the face of adversity.

A series of youth cohort co-design sessions were delivered in Great Yarmouth and Sheringham as part of the production’s development. These sessions gave local young people the opportunity to work alongside the director to help shape the piece, explore different staging approaches and theatrical conventions within the play, and contribute to the design of publicity materials.

A series of post-show workshops were also offered to schools across each of the tour locations. These sessions gave young people the opportunity to explore the themes of the play in more depth, including the dynamics and risks associated with grooming and county lines exploitation. The workshops encouraged discussion and helped raise awareness of where young people can go for help and support if needed.

‘(I enjoyed) learning about the different, subtle parts of grooming and how to realise what’s happening; going deeper into the characters and understanding them more.’
Workshop participant, Diss High School 

‘I enjoyed the fact that I got to act out actual scenes from the play and that we learnt useful information about county lines. It was very interactive and a fun way to explore a serious issue.’
Workshop participant, Year 9, Dereham Northgate High School 

Artists

Adapted for the stage by Helena McBurney
Directed by Katie Thompson

Participants

Students across Key Stages 3 & 4 from Community-Ed Academy, Diss High School and Dereham Northgate High School

Location

Great Yarmouth, Ipswich, Sheringham, Lowestoft, Diss and Norwich

Partners

St George’s Theatre