Why FE Colleges Are Turning to Theatre to Tackle Healthy Relationships

Why FE Colleges Are Turning to Theatre to Tackle Healthy Relationships

In Further Education, few topics are more important, or more challenging, than relationships, consent, and safeguarding.

Colleges know these conversations matter. But knowing how to have them in a way that truly reaches young people is another story entirely.

Across FE, staff report the same frustrations: PowerPoint fatigue. Low engagement. Learners who hear the message but don’t internalise it. Disclosures that come too late. Behaviour that suggests students don’t always recognise what’s healthy and what isn’t.

Two FE colleges, Stafford College and Peterborough College, recently partnered with Loudmouth Education & Training to tackle these challenges in a different way. Their experiences reveal why interactive theatre is fast becoming one of the most powerful tools in FE safeguarding and prevention work.

The challenge: Important messages that weren’t landing

At Stafford College, the team were struggling with how to bring sensitive but essential topics to life.

“We were facing challenges in finding engaging, impactful ways to address sensitive topics like teenage relationship abuse, consent, and power dynamics. We also struggled with finding materials that were both educational and accessible, especially for the diverse range of learners we serve.” - David Bourne, Group Student Engagement & Wellbeing Manager

At Peterborough College, the safeguarding team were seeing worrying patterns emerge:

• Reports of sexual harassment and inappropriate language

• Students disclosing incidents long after they had happened

• Misogynistic language becoming normalised

• A need for early intervention and prevention

• Learners disengaged by “more of the same” – slideshows, talks and assemblies

“We wanted a different approach to what learners may have already had – PowerPoints etc. We wanted early intervention and prevention.” - Carol Baker, Designated safeguarding Lead, Peterborough College

Both colleges knew they needed something more powerful than a lecture.

Why Loudmouth?

What made Loudmouth stand out was not just what they covered, but how they covered it.

Instead of telling students what healthy relationships look like, Loudmouth shows them through professional theatre, live characters and facilitated discussion.

“Their use of theatre to address such important issues felt unique and dynamic. The interactive nature of their workshops stood out to us.” – Stafford College

For Peterborough College, the goal was to move from reacting to incidents to preventing them. “We wanted to be proactive rather than reactive and find an approach where learners could reflect on themselves.”

What happens when learners are truly engaged

The biggest surprise for both colleges was just how deeply students connected with the sessions.

“The level of engagement from the students exceeded our expectation. We were amazed at how actively involved they were and how much they opened up.”

“The actors’ ability to portray real-life scenarios made the issues more relatable. it created a safe space to discuss difficult topics.” – Stafford College

At Peterborough College, staff had never seen anything like it:

“I have never been in a guest talk like this, a hall full of students and you could have heard a pin drop.”

“Student mentors said they had never seen a cohort of students held so well by guest speakers.”

Why? Because Loudmouth doesn’t talk at learners, they invite them into the story. Through characters and real-life scenarios, students see behaviours unfold, question motivations, and explore consequences. They can ask characters questions and challenge them. It allows them to reflect on their own attitudes and choices.

A powerful tool for safeguarding and prevention

Both colleges saw immediate safeguarding benefits.

At Stafford, learners developed a stronger understanding of:

• Control and manipulation

• Power dynamics

• Consent

• What healthy and unhealthy relationships look like

“They now have a better understanding of the complex dynamics of relationships. This can lead to more informed, respectful, and healthier relationships.” – Stafford College

At Peterborough, this translated into measurable impact:

“Recent learner surveys showed an increased feeling of safety and knowing where to report concerns.”

Because the programme happened early in the academic year, staff were also able to refer back to the characters and scenarios in tutorials and safeguarding conversations, keeping the learning alive long after the performance ended.

Not just for learners – but for staff too

One unexpected benefit was how much the programme supported staff.

“The sessions will support staff in delivering tutorials around the topic and open discussions with students.” - Stafford College

At Peterborough:

“Staff feedback was so positive. It has allowed staff to increase their confidence in challenging harmful behaviours and having constructive conversations with learners post-session.”

The characters become a shared language and a safe way to talk about difficult behaviours without making it personal or confrontational.

Flexible, inclusive, and designed for FE

Both colleges highlighted Loudmouth’s ability to adapt.

“The team were very flexible and adaptable, ensuring all learners felt included.” - Stafford College

“We loved the adaptation to different groups of learners, including SEN.” - Peterborough College

This matters in FE, where cohorts are diverse, complex and wide-ranging.

Would they recommend Loudmouth?

In a word: yes.

“If you want to provide your students with a meaningful, thought-provoking experience that equips them with practical skills for navigating relationships, Loudmouth is an excellent choice.” - Stafford College

Staff at Peterborough College were even more direct:

“Book Loudmouth quick!” “Such a unique way of delivery, it makes it more impactful and memorable.”

A different kind of safeguarding

FE colleges are under pressure to do more than just deliver information. They need to change attitudes, challenge harmful behaviour, and build safer cultures.

What Stafford and Peterborough found is that when learners are emotionally engaged, not just informed, real change becomes possible.

That’s what Loudmouth brings to FE.

If you want your learners to listen, reflect and remember, our programmes might just be the most powerful safeguarding tool you haven’t used yet.

Get in touch to arrange a meeting to discuss our programmes and packages of support. Contact us on 0121 446 4880 or email matt@loudmouth.co.uk