Ex-burglar Mark Whiteley has brought up his own past to help people with their future. Mark, a convicted burglar, has written numerous works about his past life to highlight the perils of theft, violence and gang membership.

He now brings us a new play about knife crime, to hopefully help young people steer clear and not make the same mistakes as he did.

“When I was younger I did many bad things. I stood over someone as they slept with a bat in my hand, ready to strike if they awoke,” sSaid Whiteley. “For these things I am sorry. For these things I have been punished.”

Mark now runs the successful Hard Graft theatre company in Manchester, has a string of theatre award nominations to his name and is using his experiences to guide youngsters away from crime.

“If I can make one person think about their actions and take responsibility then I would be a happy man,” Whiteley said.

“I have seen what damage a knife blade can achieve, it’s time to stop our young men dying alone in a street, it’s time to act on knife crime.”

Knife Edge is based on a true story of an ordinary father on an ordinary estate who, after the murder of his 17-year-old son, makes the most extraordinary decision of his life. He challenges his son’s murderer to a duel, to the death. Knife Edge opens 30 minutes before the murderer is due to arrive.

Knife Edge is the story of knife crime and how it touches real people today in Britain. What would you do if your son was murdered? Kill – be killed? The play is directed by TMA award nominated Adam Sunderland.

Knife Edge is at The Arc on Thursday, April 22, with a matinee and evening performance. Tickets are obtainable by calling 0845 2990476 or from reception at Trowbridge College, from 10am-5pm Monday and Friday, 10am-7pm Tuesday-Thursday, or Trowbridge TIC.