FORWARD>>>

FORWARD

Co-created with young people from the Grenfell community and QPR Football Club, and co-produced by The Lyric Hammersmith, FORWARD was an ambitious 14-week project that blended theatre and football in an innovative new way.

Participants worked with GymJam Theatre to devise a powerful new piece exploring the parallels between navigating life as a young person and the skills needed to thrive in professional football. From the rehearsal room to the football pitch—and even inside QPR’s stadium—this journey saw young people push their creative and physical limits to build something truly special.

With original text and movement inspired by football sessions delivered by Coach Eric Salvo, the show became a high-energy, thought-provoking experience, shaped by the lived experiences and voices of the young participants. The project was directed and sound designed by Gavin Maxwell, with production by Adrian Gardner for The Lyric, supported by Rob Lehmann. Eric Salvo and Saiff Atrakji led the football elements, while Add Demto provided creative enabling support, and Dominique Reid offered additional pastoral care.

A huge thank you to everyone involved, and to Harry Elletson for capturing the journey through his stunning photography.

📸 All images by Harry Elletson