A passionate group of young theatre makers from Merseyside have launched a Crowdfunder campaign to help take their acclaimed production Intrusive to the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2026. Thanks to the help of kind-hearted donors, the group are close to their target — but need your help to make the dream a reality.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE CROWDFUNDER: EVERY DONOR WILL RECEIVE AN INVITE TO A SHORT FILM SCREENING OF THE PLAY WITH MEET THE CAST & LIVE MUSIC
The project, based in Saint Helens, aims to raise funds to cover travel, accommodation, registration fees and other essential costs associated with staging the show at the Fringe — a global celebration of theatre, comedy and performance arts. For the members of the young cast, it will be their first appearance at the festival and a dream come true.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE CROWDFUNDER: EVERY DONOR WILL RECEIVE AN INVITE TO A SHORT FILM SCREENING OF THE PLAY WITH MEET THE CAST & LIVE MUSIC
Intrusive sold out on multiple nights in Liverpool and received glowing reviews — described as a “raw, urgent piece of modern theatre” that illuminates the hidden emotional realities many young people face. The play tackles difficult but vital topics such as trauma, intrusive thoughts, mental illness, sexual violence and suicide — issues often lived in silence yet desperately in need of open conversation.
The feedback for the Liverpool run was profound and audiences responded with more than applause — they stayed after performances, shared personal stories, and were visibly moved by the work. This response has strengthened the company’s conviction that the show deserves a much wider audience.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE CROWDFUNDER: EVERY DONOR WILL RECEIVE AN INVITE TO A SHORT FILM SCREENING OF THE PLAY WITH MEET THE CAST & LIVE MUSIC
The production was co-written by Abigayle Tyrer and Louis Cashin-Harris. Director Phil Halfpenny says: “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 continues: “I’ve worked with many different playwrights, actors and on various productions over the past decade or so and this is one of the truly special projects. It would mean the world to this talented team to get to Edinburgh and we are so grateful to everyone who has helped us so far — we’re almost there and so close to taking this amazing production to the bigger stage.”
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE CROWDFUNDER: EVERY DONOR WILL RECEIVE AN INVITE TO A SHORT FILM SCREENING OF THE PLAY WITH MEET THE CAST & LIVE MUSIC
For many emerging theatre companies, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is not just another festival — it’s a cultural milestone. Audiences in Edinburgh are known for actively seeking out bold, socially relevant work that challenges and engages. Taking Intrusive to this platform would give the Liverpool production a chance to spark conversations far beyond its home city.
The campaign has already raised a significant portion of its target, but every contribution brings the company closer to realising its Fringe dream. Backers can donate through the project’s Crowdfunder page and everyone who donates will be invited to a special viewing of our short film adaption of the show, including a Q&A with the cast and live music for a fun night to thank them for their support.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE CROWDFUNDER: EVERY DONOR WILL RECEIVE AN INVITE TO A SHORT FILM SCREENING OF THE PLAY WITH MEET THE CAST & LIVE MUSIC
Keep up to date with the play on INSTAGRAM
