Age Group
12-16 year olds
Year Group
Key Stage 3 / 4
Duration
50-60 minutes
Group Size
5 - 250
Resource Pack?
Available
Follow Up Workshop
Request details
Digital Version?
No
Risking It All
Risking It All is a 50-minute interactive theatre production that addresses child sexual exploitation (CSE) and county lines. It highlights how risky behaviour among adolescents can lead to vulnerability and dangerous situations.
Based on the lived experiences of teenagers, Risking It All portrays the grooming process using victims’ personal accounts and helps young people spot the signs of exploitation.
The session is a provocative and immersive learning experience where facilitators encourage audiences to discuss the risks identified, spot the signs of exploitation, and discuss the consequences faced by two central characters.
With support from Arts Council England a series of consultation and workshop sessions were held with young people, victims of exploitation, and professionals. These sessions were an opportunity for teenagers to share their personal stories, ask questions, and examine real-life case studies, all of which contributed to the creation of the script for Risking It All.
Ben is 16, is at odds with his mum and his grades are dropping at school. The only time he feels relaxed is when he’s with Stu, his mate’s older brother. Stu’s got his own flat, throws the sickest house parties and isn’t on Ben’s back all the time. The character of Ben explores issues of risk, alcohol and substance misuse, grooming and criminal exploitation.
- Highlight what unsafe online contact looks like in everyday life
- Encourage teenagers to identify the signs of criminal exploitation and grooming
- Examine the risks of drug and alcohol misuse
- Signpost support networks available
Positive Relationships: Identifying healthy behaviours and recognising unhealthy dynamics.
Families & Close Relationships: Understanding different relationships, roles, and responsibilities.
Consent & Privacy: Recognising coercion, pressure, and the right to personal boundaries.
Bullying & Abuse: Identifying abuse, grooming, and exploitation, including online risks.
Social Influences: Managing peer pressure, risk-taking, and supporting one another.
Mental Wellbeing: Recognising emotions, stress management, and seeking support.
Risks & Safety: Understanding exploitation, substance use, and online dangers.
Healthy Choices: The impact of lifestyle on physical and mental health.
Influences on Behaviour: How social media, peer pressure, and culture shape decision-making.
Self-Concept: Building self-confidence, understanding how others perceive us, and managing risk.
Drugs and Substances: The impact of substance use on decision-making and sexual behaviour
Media Literacy & Digital Resilience: Understanding the risks of sharing intimate images.
Risk & Decision-Making: Assessing consequences and making informed choices.
Rights & Responsibilities: Understanding personal rights, boundaries, and respect for others.
Support & Guidance: Knowing where to seek help for safeguarding concerns.
Key Themes
CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS
BEING SAFE
SUBSTANCE MISUSE
COUNTY LINES
SEXTING
RISK-TAKING BEHAVIOUR
GROOMING
VAPING
COERCIVE BEHAVIOUR
CONSENT
Serious topics were covered in an appropriate and sensitive manner
Serious topics were covered in an appropriate and sensitive manner and all our pupils were fully engaged in what was happening. The discussion points were really useful to clarify understanding. The acting was fantastic and pupils were talking about how realistic the performance felt. Would absolutely recommend 2engage to other schools.
‘Risking It All’ provided crucial information about where students could seek help and support.
The performance was fantastic as it dealt with issues that some students may well have had first-hand experience of. It also provided crucial information about where students could seek help and support. Very good. Highly recommend.
The session deals with underage drinking, county lines and inappropriate relationships is a sensitive but powerful way.
I would highly recommend the “Risking It All” session from 2engage. The session deals with underage drinking, county lines and inappropriate relationships is a sensitive but powerful way. Our students thoroughly enjoyed watching the performance as well as discussing each character in interactive way. This session connected well with the pupils to provide them a more enriched RSHE curriculum.
‘Risking It All’ covered a variety of topics in a sensitive and hard-hitting way.
2engage’s performance of ‘Risking It All’ covered a variety of topics in a sensitive and hard-hitting way. It’s a really good drama that not only brings to life the issues that are hard to communicate to young people, but also the behaviour that sees vulnerable people fall into situations where they are at risk of exploitation in the form of inappropriate relationships and social media.
A thought provoking, powerful piece of drama.
A thought provoking, powerful piece of drama which covers so much, in such a short space of time. Students were engaged from the opening to the end, and left wanting more! Highly recommend inviting the 2engage team into any school.
I highly recommend this show to all year 9 students.
We had great feedback from the year 9 students. They were totally absorbed during the whole performance and very complimentary about the acting, messages, themes and overall delivery. They cared about the characters and wanted to know more about them by the end! I highly recommend this show to all year 9 students.
An engaging and thought-provoking performance.
An engaging and thought-provoking performance that highlighted the dangers of child sexual exploitation and Child Criminal Exploitation. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students and supported our PSHE curriculum well.
This performance is something that I feel every school needs to see
A brilliant performance which engaged our students throughout the session. The topics were relevant to the year group and encouraged the students to reflect on the exploitation witnessed. This performance is something that I feel every school needs to see, it's invaluable!
The experience effectively enhanced their understanding of exploitation and its risks
Risking It All was a fantastic interactive theatre experience for our Year 9 students. They thoroughly enjoyed the session and found it both engaging and thought-provoking. The experience effectively enhanced their understanding of exploitation and its risks, helping to improve their awareness in a meaningful way.
We were very impressed with the “Risking It All” performance
We were very impressed with the “Risking It All” performance and very grateful to the team. It is valuable input for our Year 9 students delivered in an accessible and engaging format. The Q&A session afterwards is important and the team facilitate this extremely well.
I would wholeheartedly recommend!
A fantastic performance which engaged students, provided them with an opportunity to discuss dangers in society today and see the impacts of some student’s actions. I would wholeheartedly recommend!
Serious topics were covered in an appropriate and sensitive manner
Serious topics were covered in an appropriate and sensitive manner and all our pupils were fully engaged in what was happening. The discussion points were really useful to clarify understanding. The acting was fantastic and pupils were talking about how realistic the performance felt. Would absolutely recommend 2engage to other schools.
‘Risking It All’ provided crucial information about where students could seek help and support.
The performance was fantastic as it dealt with issues that some students may well have had first-hand experience of. It also provided crucial information about where students could seek help and support. Very good. Highly recommend.
To request a copy of our ‘Risking It All’ information pack, email info@2engage.co.uk