WITNESS

A powerful theatrical adaptation of Alex Wheatle’s novella exploring courage, loyalty and the price of telling the truth.

Following an exclusion for a fight he did not start, Cornell finds himself in a Pupil Referral Unit full of young people who have been marginalised from mainstream schools. Here, Cornell is befriended by Ryan, a boy whose family hold a fearsome reputation. When ordered by Ryan to join his mission to teach another student some respect, Cornell witnesses something that will change his life forever. He must now make a choice to tell the truth or stay silent to protect the people he loves.

This urgent and real performance comes to our stage following its acclaimed debut at Theatre Peckham last spring, adapted for the stage by Suzann McLean and David Fielding.

Tagged with: Theatre & dance Young Barbican Theatre and Dance: Spring 2027

Running time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Age guidance: 12+

Content guidance:
This event contains strobe lighting, haze, smoke, violence, blood and strong language. It explores themes around mental illness.

Presented by Theatre Peckham, Words of Colour and the Barbican.

Ticket prices

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£21.50 (£20 + £1.50 transaction fee)

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£11.50 (£10 + £1.50 transaction fee) + free essential companion ticket if required.

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£9.50 (£8 + £1.50 transaction fee). Subject to availability.

£11.50 (£10 + £1.50 transaction fee)

‘A show for everyone, to learn, to share and to open conversations...‘

Everything Theatre
‘A real life that we rarely see in theatres...‘

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The Pit

Location
The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace.

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

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