As the dust settles from the end of our 2025 tour of CODE around the UK, we’re reflecting on the impact, the highlights and the challenges, and looking ahead to 2026.
Often when we perform CODE we’re told that this needs to be seen everywhere. And so, this summer we continued to tell our story of county lines and knife crime to all – in schools, in festivals, in town squares, and beyond.
Over 11,000 people saw the show, and thousands of pupils received in-depth schools presentations and workshops. We’re raising awareness – one gesture, one bike leap, one rap lyric at a time.
Audience members were resoundingly moved.
One said: “The show was unreal. So beautifully choreographed and poetically explained but heartbreakingly realistic and informative. It should be mandatory for everyone to see this! Well done to all performers, writers and crew!”
Another:
“Your storytelling grabbed hold of me by the throat, and I had trouble holding it together. I think it was because you neatly and cleverly crammed a year’s worth of story into 45 minutes… and the horror of that callous and casual grooming was a shock. Your message is so clear. I’m more aware.”
This year our CODE team has grown to a whopping 27 people, and one of the many highlights has been touring as a community. Check out this video of some of our team’s highlights:
A big part of this year’s tour has been our Education Programme, which has seen us going into many different settings to provide presentations on county lines and knife crime, as well as workshops in rap, physical theatre, parkour and creative education.
“As a whole package it will create an everlasting and powerful impact.” Sarah Rawlinson, Vice Principal, Wykham Park Academy
“The company are empowering children to be good citizens who have a stronger moral compass.” Angie Bridle, Year 6 Teacher, St Luke’s Primary, Bournemouth
Being an arts company in 2025 can be tough, and this year’s tour has certainly had its challenges. A combination of a tricky financial landscape and some unforeseen circumstances meant that certain gigs had to be cancelled at short notice. This of course is difficult for us as a company and for our whole team, and at times has felt like navigating stormy seas.
So what’s next for CODE? Well first of all, rest! We will be resting, reflecting and recharging over the winter months ahead of a summer tour in 2026 and some exciting new developments. We will be expanding our schools work, hoping to tour internationally and potentially bringing the show indoors… watch this space!
