Drama company teaches Wellingborough students how to be Good Citizens

Wellingborough students are learning about gang culture, bullying and knife crime through drama.

Around 750 children at three secondary schools – Wrenn School, Weavers Academy and Sir Christopher Hatton Academy – have seen Skin Deep, a production by the Solomon Theatre Company organised through the recently-launched Good Citizen Programme.

Skin Deep, which deals with the messages of grooming, gangs, prejudice and violence, tells the story of a young woman who is groomed and exploited by an older man.

Good Citizen Programme organiser Shaun Johnson said: “The pupils were captivated throughout.

"I fully recognise the importance of using drama to deliver these important warning messages about how young people can so easily be groomed and absorbed into gangs.

“These productions force students to sit up and take notice, raising awareness of the warning signs they need to know about in order to help keep themselves safe.”

Weavers' vice principal Magnus Wallace said: “This was powerful and so relevant to students in the current times.

"It really raised awareness of the dangers facing our young people, but it was also great guidance on how to stay safe.”

The Good Citizen programme is led by Northamptonshire's Arson Task Force – put together by the police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service – and supported by partners including the Wellingborough Safer Stronger Neighbourhood Partnership and the North Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership.

The Solomon Theatre Company will be back to visit six primary schools in the Wellingborough area next month to showcase their drama Safe which deals with the story of a nine-year-old bullied by some older boys.

It's themes include bullying and how to get help, the importance of friendship and the dangers of carrying knives.

The productions in schools have been made possible by the Good Citizen Programme funding and sponsorship from the Percy Hoskins Award and Crimestoppers in Northamptonshire.