Raising Awareness around Knife Crime & Youth Violence
Breaking the Chain is a powerful applied theatre production that raises awareness, sparks conversation and builds resilience around youth violence – with a particular focus on knife crime.
The production supports schools and communities in taking a public health approach to tackling an issue that continues to see young people seriously injured, and far too often killed, on the streets of our towns and cities.
This newly redeveloped version combines live performance with powerful multimedia storytelling, creating a fast-paced and engaging experience that reflects the digital world young people inhabit.
Recently released from prison and trying to turn his life around, Tyler is determined that the young people closest to him do not repeat the mistakes he made. Appearing on screen through a series of video messages, social media clips and recorded conversations, Tyler attempts to reach his younger brother Zeke and Zeke’s friend Danny, who have begun carrying knives and becoming drawn into the pressures of reputation, fear and street culture.
Across the course of a single day, tensions rise as Tyler realises how quickly things can spiral out of control. From a distance he tries to intervene, urging the boys to think about the consequences of the choices they are making and to step away from a path that could lead to tragedy.
Blending live theatre with dynamic multimedia, Breaking the Chain explores the pressures that lead young people to carry knives, the myths around safety and protection, and the power of friendship and influence in helping someone choose a different path.
The entire year group was spellbound!
Charters School, Berkshire
The play has been seen by thousands of young people around the UK and aims to:-
- The risks and consequences of youth violence and knife crime on the individual, on their friends, families, and on the wider community
- The influences, fears and pressures that can lead to the decision to hurt someone or to carry a knife, and how these can be managed or avoided
- The core skills that can be used help young people to navigate a whole host of issues and critical life moments that they may encounter
- The importance of seeking help and advice, or telling someone if you are concerned about yourself, a friend or someone you know.
- Where to go for help and advice
‘Breaking the Chain’ was developed in consultation with young people, youth, social and health workers, charities, police forces, urban youth specialists and the families and friends of those tragically affected by youth violence in order to tackle this highly complex issue in an effective manner and with credible voices.
Project Information
Running Time 55 minutes including post-show talk
Get In 45 mins
Get Out 30 mins
Cast Size 2
Performance Space 4m x 4m
Staging Ground Level – End On
We can perform the play for intimate audiences or to entire year groups at a time. All we need is a performance space roughly 4m x 4m and somewhere to plug in our sound system. The cast do not use mics so performance venues must be suitable for unamplified voices. The cast aim to arrive one hour before the show start time to set up and take about 30 minutes to pack down.
Target Audience
- Young People (year 7+)
- FE colleges
- Parents, carers, teachers, police & professionals working with young people
Available 2025/2026
- £695+vat per show (AM or PM slots available)
- Or you can book the whole day for £1,295+vat and have up to 3 x performances in the day
Narrative Alchemy Theatre Co.
Theatre productions to raise awareness, get young people talking and tackle knife crime, grooming, misogyny, drugs and mental health.
Booking
To book or for further assistance, please call 0161 236 1448 to talk to our friendly team. Alternatively, fill in the enquiry form below and we’ll get back to you with availability in your area…
Theatre for Schools 