On The Line (2023) - Odd Eyes Theatre

Funny, tense and almost painfully pertinent. The Reviews Hub

‘We stick out like balls on a bulldog in these endz. It’s gonna be like three seconds before they stop and search us.’

When inner city teenagers Tia and Kai find themselves living it up in their rich schoolmate’s mansion, they think their day can’t get any better. Until a priceless fishing fly vanishes, leading to home truths being revealed and life-long friendships stretched to breaking point.

Gritty, gripping and witty, On The Line is a coming of age play for today exploring issues of cultural identity and barriers to social mobility, exposing the challenges faced by young people growing up in the current tough political environment.

ON THE LINE run at Camden People’s Theatre before touring secondary schools, arts centres and theatres.

Get in touch for bookings and information.

Image credit: Paul Grieve | Design: Max Batty

Emilia Teglia has developed the play from an original idea by Cheyanne Thomson and Emily Johnston and their friends from Camden’s Action Youth Boxing Intervention in response to #Haters as part of our Creative Debate project. The story is based on their experiences. The soundtrack with tunes by their favourite Drill and pop artists underscores their humour, bitterness and complexities.

Like ODD EYES’ previous work, On The Line deals with topical issues of cultural identity and barriers to social mobility, exposing the challenges faced by young people growing up in the current tough political environment.

CREATIVE TEAM

Writer & Director: Emilia Teglia

Tia performed by: Giorgia Valentino
Kai performed by: Zacchaeus Kayode

Assistant Producer: Andreea Tudose
Movement Director: Nevena Stojkov
Stage Manager / Lighting Designer: Nicolas Petersen-Gyongyosi
Assistant Stage Manager / Casting Assistant (Placement): Andreea Pieleanu

Marketing Assistant (Placement): Alara Koroglu
Administrator: Sara-Jane Kaba
Rehearsal photographer Alex Brenner
Marketing photographers: Paul Grieve and Giorgia Valentino

OUR AUDIENCE SAID:

‘The chemistry between the performers is outstanding.’ (Audience member, On The Line, Camden People’s Theatre)

‘What a great play! We went to see On The Line by Odd Eyes Theatre at Stanley Arts this evening. The actors were mesmerising playing childhood friends in an intimate tale exploring class, race, loyalty, betrayal and more all delivered with authenticity and humour. Brilliant.’ (The Croydonist on Twitter)

‘Thank you for bringing such important work through our doors! We love everything Odd Eyes stands for and can’t wait to see On The Line go to even more audiences.‘ (Camden People’s Theatre)

‘Buzzes with vitality, fear of change, ambition and the feeling of being left behind in the desire to succeed. But primarily it’s about hope, family and friendship Amazing show! Amazing cast!’ (Karen @MrsOsmond_ on Twitter)

This page is for the stage version of On The Line. For the film, go to On The Line film 2025

TOUR

Interested in bringing On The Line to your theatre venue or school in 2024?
Find out more here and email Andreea at [email protected] to request more information.

PLAY TEXT

ON THE LINE is a great play for audition monologues and drama groups.

You can buy a copy of the play here.

Discounts on bulk orders for drama group apply. Contact [email protected] to place your order.

What people think

“The chemistry between the performers is outstanding” (Audience member, On The Line, Camden People’s Theatre)

“Energetic, vibrant and touching” (Audience member, On The Line, Camden People’s Theatre)

“I had a spare hour and picked a random show @thevaultslondon . I thought @OddEyesTheatre #ontheline was excellent. Very good storytelling and captivating actors. Always worth taking a punt on something new!” (James Callas Ball on Twitter)

“Superb performance of On The Line put together by Odd Eyes Theatre tonight at Stanley Art showing exactly the difference between rich and poor in our society – just the kind of show that needs to be shown in our community and everywhere to be honest!” (South Norwood Kitchen)

“Lovey evening taking Camden Youth Theatre to watch ‘On the Line’ at Camden People’s Theatre . Truly amazing production! If you know any young people (or adults!) urge them to see it.” (Phoebe from Camden Youth Theatre on Twitter)

“Funny, tense and almost painfully pertinent.” (On The Line, The Reviews Hub )

“Thank you for bringing such important work through our doors! We love everything Odd Eyes stands for and can’t wait to see On The Line go to even more audiences.” (Camden People’s Theatre on On The Line)

“A play of the 21st century in “Endz!”” (Young audience member at On The Line sharing)

“A smart well written and directed piece of spoken word narrative theatre” (Adrian Jackson, about #Haters)

“Stunning, was just stunning. What Emilia’s done to this production is sort of ground level, in the sense that she’s taken us completely to Shaw and his critique about being ‘other’.” (Bonnie Greer about Pygmalion)

“A strong production that is definitely worth seeing.” (Remote Goat about Pygmalion)

[email protected]