Crossing The Line at Norfolk and Norwich Festival Review
Alex Hardie as Erik in Crossing the Line
Written by Eleanor B for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Content warning: this show contains references to drug use and violence.
County lines are a very real issue, especially for young, impressionable and sometimes vulnerable children and teenagers.
Crossing the Line follows the story of Erik, from his first days of secondary school as a bright, eager Year 7 student, through to the gradual unravelling of his life after bullying, grief and the pull of the wrong crowd lead him into a world of drugs and violence.
Erik, played by Alex Hardie, is supported by three other cast members, each taking on multiple roles throughout the production. Shayam Patel plays Ravi, Erik’s best friend, alongside K1, the leader of the drug gang that eventually draws Erik in. Rachael Cummins takes on the role of Erik’s mum, as well as several teachers and members of K1’s gang, while Ralph Prosser plays both Mr Robinson, Erik’s running coach, and one of Erik’s original bullies, whose actions play a major part in the choices Erik later makes.
Despite the small cast, every character feels completely distinct. Through changes in clothing, accents and body language, it is always clear who is who, and the transitions between roles feel smooth and believable throughout.
I had heard the term county lines before, but I do not think I had fully appreciated just how dangerous and violent the reality of it can become. The production portrays this particularly well through clear travelling sequences, showing how quickly someone can cross into another gang’s territory. It really highlights how close to home these situations can be.
The performances across the company are strong, especially from Alex Hardie, who convincingly takes Erik from an excitable young schoolboy to someone clearly weighed down by fear, grief and pressure. You genuinely feel the shift in his character as the story becomes darker.
I did feel the first half could have been slightly tighter in places, especially compared to the more emotional and gripping second half, where Erik attempts to turn his life around. I found myself wanting even more time spent exploring that part of the story and the consequences of everything that came before it.
The show closes with projected information about county lines, including the shocking reality that children as young as six have been exploited into this hidden world of drug transportation and dealing. Information about where to seek help was also included, which felt particularly important given that much of the audience was made up of school-aged children who may be directly affected by these issues.
It is an important and thought-provoking piece of theatre that tackles a very current issue in a way that feels accessible, honest and engaging for younger audiences.
★★★★
