Summary 

A theatre play which tells the story of Eddie, a fifteen year-old boy who is groomed by an adult man in his community. It is performed by young people, for young people in schools and other learning environments. 

Type of Intervention 

Classroom setting, play, discussion group with debriefing questions.

Target Population 

This theatre production is aimed at children and young people aged from seven years old onwards. It is also targeted at parents, carers, teachers, and professionals with regular contact with children and young people. 

Delivery Organisation 

AlterEgo Creative Solutions Ltd - a ‘not-for-profit’ Social Enterprise.

Mode and Context of Delivery 

Crashing is a theatre play which is followed by discussion. It is normally performed by young people but it can also be performed by adults. Delivery is organised through schools, colleges, universities, social services, Local Safeguarding Children Boards, charities, borough councils, county councils, private businesses and national government agencies.

Level/Nature of Staff Expertise Required 

The theatre team is comprised of trained actors. 

Intensity/Extent of Engagement with Target Groups 

The play’s running time is 30 minutes. This is followed by post show discussion lasting around 30 minutes. Staff working in the organisation may follow-up any issues with the audience after this timeframe.

Description of Intervention 

According to the Alter Ego Creative Solutions website, the authors of the play give the following description of the play: 

It tells the story of Eddie.  At 15 years old he lost his mom to cancer, lost his dad to depression and ended up going absent and missing from home on a regular basis.  On one of these occasions, whilst out drinking with his mates at the park, Eddie was approached by Michael.  Michael was kind, good fun and owned a shop with an empty flat above it.  He offered Eddie the chance to stay there whenever things at home were a bit rough, but unfortunately Michael had another agenda.

After the production, the actors hold a thirty minute discussion and question/answer session with the audience members. 

Evaluation 

While this means of engaging with young people is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, no evaluation of this intervention currently exists. 

References 

Information Sheet for Crashing: http://www.alteregocreativesolutions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Crashing-Information-Sheet.pdf

Contact Details 

AlterEgo Creative Solutions Ltd

Office 30, iCentre

Howard Way 

Newport Pagnell MK16 9PY 

Telephone No: 01908 299 432 

Email: alteregocreativesolutions@gmail.com

RATING: Pioneering

Information correct at April 2020