Norwich Theatre and Norfolk County Council are proud to announce the launch of Beyond the System, a four-part podcast mini-series written, performed, and co-created by care leavers aged 16–25.
The project, which began in 2025, sought to provide a platform for young people with care experience, raise awareness of the unique challenges they face and offer hope to those currently in the care system.
Under the mentorship of RSC actor Joseph Arkley, participants engaged in a series of intensive workshops, translating their lived experiences into poetry, prose, and improvised drama.
Moving beyond “case files” and statistics, the podcast provides an intimate, human look at the transition into adulthood from the care system. Recorded at the Norwich Theatre Playhouse and edited with continuous input from the participants, the series balances raw honesty with creative expression.
The four episodes explore:
• Belonging and Diversity
• Growth and Healing
• Community and Potential
• Overcoming through Creativity
Speaking about the experience, a participant said: “It’s just the hope that it’s not only going to be young people who listen to this, that maybe some worker will listen to this and realise that these stories actually matter, maybe change their mind slightly of how they view young people in the care system or when they come out of the care system. Seems a lot to ask for, but I’m kind of hoping that we maybe influence some people that are in power to make the decision to actually take a look at it from a human point of view instead of a case file.”
Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive & Creative Director at Norwich Theatre, said: “We believe in the power of creativity to change lives. By partnering with Norfolk County Council, we’ve been able to provide a safe space for these incredible young people to turn their experiences into art. We must move beyond statistics and listen to the lived experiences of diverse voices; these stories challenge our perceptions and remind us that every care leaver has a unique, powerful narrative. Their honesty is breathtaking, and their stories should be heard.”
Councillor Penny Carpenter, cabinet member for Children’s Services at
Norfolk County Council, said: “The young people who have created and performed these podcasts have bravely given us an honest and powerful insight into their experiences. Creative arts give children and young people a meaningful voice, and their experiences sit at the heart of everything we do. Their perspectives shape our decisions and our commitment to helping them thrive.”
“I’m incredibly proud of their creativity and courage in creating a series that is a vital reminder of why listening to care-experienced young people matters when helping them to Flourish.
“I’d also like to extend my gratitude to the continuing support from Norwich Theatre, who have made a massive difference to the lives of these young people; giving them the confidence to aspire for great things.”
This project was kindly supported by the Alison Copley Charitable Trust.
Beyond the System will be available on Spotify and YouTube, as well as norwichtheatre.org
