In May and June 2008, YMT: UK ran a series of workshops in London in association with the Metropolitan Police, entitled the Five Boroughs Alliance.

Over 100 young people took part in the innovative project, receiving the opportunity to experience musical theatre creation for the first time.

Creative team Annemarie Lewis Thomas, Darrell Aldridge and Richard Batty worked alongside police officers, youth offender teams and schools in some of the city's most deprived areas to develop the programme for 14-16 year olds. Aimed at reducing criminal activity in local areas, those involved worked hard to create and perform a short piece of musical theatre based on identity, their community and what it means to them.

'It's been a challenge for all involved, but tremendous fun' said the project's Director, Richard Batty. 'It's very rewarding to see each of the young people, in their own way, having taken something away with them; an improved confidence or a sense of achievement'.

Sarah Double, YMT: UK's Operations Manager and the project's coordinator, said 'the programme is proving to be a huge success with young people, acting, singing and dancing their way to brighter futures'.
 
YMT: UK provided the opportunity for two individuals from each of the five boroughs to join one of the company's residential Studio courses across the country later in the year.