A Saint Helens-based theatre group have launched a crowdfunding campaign to take their production to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The creators of ‘Intrusive’ are fundraising to get their show to the world’s largest performing arts festival this August, after it received highly acclaimed reviews during a previous sold-out run in Liverpool.
The performance, written by Abigayle Tyrer and Louis Cashin-Harris, focuses on the impact of issues such as non-consensual drink spiking, intrusive thoughts, sexual assault and mental illness in young people.
Phil Halfpenny, Director of Intrusive, said: “As a 30+ year old I have experienced multiple traumatic events in my life, this show helped me process and manage some emotions I was keeping repressed over the suicide of a friend from over 15 years ago – that alone made the entire process worthwhile. This is the power of theatre.”
He added: “I think people maybe go to these things with trauma that isn’t quite resolved, and it comes up in theatre because it’s so intimate and you have time to process things and think about it.”
The reaction to the performances in Liverpool was overwhelmingly positive, with emotional audience members staying behind afterwards to share their own stories.
This sparked the idea of taking the performance to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to spread their message further.
However, performing at an event of such high calibre requires significant funding, something which the group have worked to get through crowdfunding.
So far, they have managed to raise just over £2000, which is just over 50% of their target.
This covers the venue costs and travel to Edinburgh for the company, however more is still required to fund their time in the city.
Ahead of the Fringe performance, the cast are putting together a short film adaptation of the story, which they will invite all donors of the Crowdfund to come and watch.
There are also discussions with a larger Liverpool venue to put on more performances of Intrusive.
For the cast and crew, the main intention behind the show is to raise awareness of issues facing young people, and to spark conversations.
Mr Halfpenny said: “If we can get one conversation a night where someone maybe talks about something that’s bothering them, that means the world to us.”
To donate to the cause, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/intrusive
Featured Image: Cast of Intrusive with Director Phil Halfpenny. Copyright – Kyle May Photography 2026
