On 15th September the award-winning Guildford Shakespeare Company rolled out a brand-new knife crime programme inspired by the events in Romeo & Juliet, in partnership with key Surrey organisations including the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey (OPCCS).
“Part fools, put up your swords, you know not what you do.” (Romeo & Juliet, Act 1 Sc 1)
Following the success of a pilot project created alongside their 2024 production of Romeo & Juliet, GSC is now working with the OPCCS, Fearless — the youth programme run by independent charity Crimestoppers — and Surrey Law School at the University of Surrey. Together, they are launching an innovative eight-week programme across five schools, designed to engage young people in conversations about knife crime, empower them to make safer choices, and raise awareness about how to report concerns completely anonymously through Fearless.
The project, entirely free to the schools, starts on 15th September and will see participants learn about the truths and far-reaching consequences of knife crime, whilst also encouraging peer-on-peer learning and support. It will create 3700 participation opportunities.
Kerrie Driscoll, GSC Creative Learning Producer: “This ground-breaking project, which seeks to transform a listening exercise into an interactive format, has a truly far-reaching potential. Bringing drama, real-life experiences and community partners together is an invaluable link in the chain to enable change with this disturbingly prolific blight on our communities for young people and their families.”
The programme will explore a ‘sliding-doors’ scenario based on the key scene in Shakespeare’s play where Tybalt and Mercutio are killed in a fight with knives. Through drama they will examine the causes and possible ways this tragic outcome could be avoided. In week eight, a performance will be shared with the rest of the school, family and friends.
Participants will also experience a ‘real-world’ scenario as Romeo is put on trial for his actions at the Surrey Law School’s technology-enhanced Court of the Future facility, as well as exploring a mocked-up crime scene. In addition, their experience will be bolstered by real-life talks and workshops with knife crime charities The Kiyan Prince Foundation and the Surrey-based Charlie’s Promise.
GSC are delivering this structured programme in partnership with OPCCS, whose Youth Officers will help to foster healthy relationships between the students and the police, whilst their problem-solving team will help robustly evaluate the project to support development. Fearless will contribute advice, sign posting and resources.
Lisa Townsend, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner: “Knife crime rates in Surrey are at around half of the national average, and the county remains one of the safest places to live in the UK. But one life lost to this terrible crime is one too many, and we cannot afford to be complacent. Any offence involving a knife or blade can have the gravest possible consequences. Through my visits to Surrey schools, I am aware of the very real fear young people have of knife crime. Put Up Your Swords allows students to explore the reality of carrying a blade, and the impact it can have, in a safe, educational setting. I am delighted to support the programme, and look forward to seeing it in action.”
Phil Jebb, Fearless: “We get that speaking up about crime can be tough. That’s why Crimestoppers and Fearless offer a safe, 100% anonymous way for young people to share what they know. Through our sessions, we give young people the space to ask questions, bust myths about knife crime, and talk openly—no judgement, just support. Being part of this project means having real conversations about what knife crime means to them, uncovering the truth behind the headlines, and showing that young people really can make a difference. If you know who’s carrying, your voice could help keep you, your friends, and your community safe.”
Katy Peters Assoc. Professor Surrey Law School, University of Surrey: “Putting Romeo on trial gives students insight into the police and justice system, with an immersive workshop in a technology-enhanced replica courtroom. Students will investigate the crime, take part in Romeo’s trial and reflect on the role of justice in knife-crime awareness, prevention and deterrence. The University of Surrey is delighted to continue its collaboration with the Guildford Shakespeare Company on this hugely important initiative.”
This next step in the evolution of this programme has been made possible through funding from The Wrentham Trust, Guildford Poyle Charities, Guildford Lions, individual donors and GSC’s own fundraising events.
Put Up Your Swords will lodge deeply in memories, providing a talking point amongst peers. Its aim is to encourage students to become school advocates and help them identify safe persons and signposting for other students to turn to if they have concerns about others carrying knives or want to hand over their own knives.
More information about the project can be found at guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk/put-up-your-swords/.
