Powerful show CODE comes to Sleaford

CODE, Justice in Motion’s urban odyssey into County Lines and Youth Knife Crime, is an electrifying blend of physical theatre, parkour, trials bike stunts, and live rap and music. Set on an urban playground, this spectacular production thrusts audiences into the raw realities faced by young people exploited by organised drug crime gangs. 

With heart-pounding action and powerful storytelling inspired by true case studies, CODE peels back the layers of a hidden underworld, exposing the intricate and dangerous networks behind knife crime and County Lines operations.

Award-winning physical theatre company Justice in Motion brings CODE to St Georges Academy and Sleaford Market Square. This production isn’t just a show - it’s a wake-up call. CODE is a daring, adrenaline-fueled journey that brings these critical issues into sharp focus, capturing both the relentless peril and the fierce resilience of a generation caught in the crossfire of systemic exploitation.

On a purpose-built outdoor set, the story follows Nicky, a vulnerable teenager drawn into a world of coded messages, gifts, threats - and dangerous decisions. The show takes a hard-hitting approach to how young people are groomed into gangs, drug running, and knife crime-issues often misunderstood or unseen.

You can view the trailer on YouTube.

North Kesteven District Council are bringing CODE to Sleaford with Lincolnshire County Council Public Health and supported by the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership, CODE will be especially effective in the setting of the refurbished Market Place.

Council Leader Councillor Richard Wright said:

“There’s already a high level of anticipation for this powerful exploration of organised crimes which, despite every agency’s best endeavours and co-ordinated approach, is sadly a growing crisis, exploiting young people and impacting communities.

“Despite the District’s consistent low crime status and high levels of public safety actively promoted by the police and community safety partners, County Lines drugs running and knife crime are a reality here in Sleaford. It is essential that awareness and vigilance are raised to these threats, and how better to do that than through this thrilling and immersive experience that thrusts audiences into the raw realities of grooming, exploitation and violence faced by our young people.

“We’re running two schools performances and I strongly encourage all other young people to come to the Market Place for what I know will be an awesome, outdoor experience. It’s a real privilege to present a show with such power and potential to positively change lives.”

County lines and youth knife crime: Why it matters

County lines networks continue to exploit vulnerable young people across the UK, with The Children’s Society estimating that as many as 46,000 children may be involved in this form of criminal exploitation. Since the launch of the UK Government’s County Lines Programme in 2019, authorities have dismantled over 5,627 lines, resulting in more than 16,500 arrests, and issuing over 8,800 safeguarding referrals. Yet despite these crackdowns, the problem is evolving, with criminal networks becoming more localised, covert, and harder to detect.

Knife crime also remains a major threat to youth safety. In the year ending March 2024, there were approximately 50,500 offences involving a sharp instrument in England and Wales— an increase of 4.4% from the previous year. Most alarmingly, 83% of homicide victims aged 13 to 19 during this period were killed using a sharp weapon, underscoring the devastating toll these crimes continue to take on young lives.