Trevi contributes to powerful new musical ‘The Children’s Inquiry’ at Southwark Playhouse

Trevi, a leading UK women’s charity dedicated to supporting women and children, is proud to announce its contribution to the critically acclaimed musical, ‘The Children’s Inquiry.’

Now showing at Southwark Playhouse, the musical was written and produced by multi-award-winning LUNG and draws on Trevi’s experience of social care services when supporting women and children affected by domestic violence and substance misuse.

The play interrogates the care system’s history from the child’s perspective, focusing on true stories from four teenagers with lived experiences of the system. It has been lauded for its powerful storytelling and impactful message.

‘The Children’s Inquiry’ song lyrics are drawn from new and archival interviews with parents, carers, social workers but most powerfully the children who lived it. It spans from a time when children were ‘adopted’ for cash and murdered, to current failings that leave young people terrifyingly at risk. The children’s narrative is set against attempts and repeated failures by the state to protect children from harm.

The play achieves its impact through a dynamic, high-energy musical performed by children. The performance emphasises the importance of raising awareness and taking action to protect the most vulnerable in our community through meaningful stories and discussions.

Whilst the musical focuses on the children’s voices, it features varying views on the care system from other organisations’ perspectives or ‘witnesses’ as they are referred to. The ‘witnesses’ song is an important part of the story, and it was here Trevi was able to offer valuable opinions through expert interviews, which in part were turned into a song.

The musical’s journey began when the co-directors, Matt Woodhead and Helen Monks, met with four children. During their conversation, the pair learned their different stories: one child had been through eight different homes, while another chose to stay with her foster family.

Helen Monks, Co-Artistic director LUNG, said, ‘For the last 5 years, Matt and I have been cooking up this incredible musical with a fearless group of experienced care teenagers in Havering and Essex.

‘The young people talked about being impacted by a ‘system’ but not necessarily being able to name it or describe how it acts,’ says Monks. So trying to investigate it together became the modus operandi of the group.

‘This is a story that is burning to be told. We can’t wait to share it with the world’.
Matt Woodhead, Co-Artistic director LUNG, said, ‘The Children’s Inquiry’ is a musical all about how the right person at the right time can save your life. At LUNG we make campaign led theatre and are dedicated to telling stories that elevate audiences and give them hope. The care system so often lets children down, but a light at the end of the tunnel is the people who work within it. Our musical examines 150 years of history, and we are so proud to include the stories of Trevi House in our exploration of the care system. Every night in front of hundreds of people, our cast sings, ‘Mums who’ve never had a chance at childhood deserve a chance at motherhood; it’s never too late to have a different life.’ There is nowhere else quite like Trevi. We are proud and privileged to be able to tell the stories of the incredible people who use and work for this wonderful service – giving hope and spreading the love to audiences night after night.’
The charity’s extensive experience and expertise in supporting women and children have provided invaluable insights that have shaped the narrative and character development, bringing a heightened sense of realism and empathy to the stage.

‘We are honoured to be involved with the talented team behind ‘The Children’s Inquiry’,’ said Trevi CEO Hannah Shead. ‘Going to see it was such a deeply moving experience. I was blown away by the performances of these incredible young people. This show is an absolute must-watch for anyone working in the children’s care sector, and I really hope it gets the attention it merits.’

Helen, who has been supported by Trevi and has experience in social care services, said, ‘What an amazing performance from such talented young individuals, who really put their heart and soul into telling the stories of people who have been involved with the care system. The show was so much more than I expected, with stories from the years of these children’s experiences cleverly put together in an emotional and thought-provoking piece. I would totally recommend it to all, especially those working within social.’

The play has received positive reviews for its unflinching approach and emotional resonance. Everything Theatre praised the production, stating, ‘The Children’s Inquiry is an important, harrowing piece that shines a light on an issue that needs to be addressed with urgency and compassion.’

Trevi’s participation in ‘The Children’s Inquiry’ is part of the charity’s broader mission to raise awareness and advocate for policies that support women and children affected by domestic violence. Through educational initiatives, support services, and community outreach, Trevi continues to lead the charge in creating safe, supportive environments for those in need.
Tickets for ‘The Children’s Inquiry’ are now available through the Southwark Playhouse website.

The play runs until August 10, 2024, with performances held Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM, and matinee shows on Saturdays at 3:00 PM.

To view trailer click here