20 years of 20 Stories High

20 Stories High started in Liverpool in 2006, set up by Julia Samuels and Keith Saha. From the beginning, the aim was simple: to make theatre with and for young people, especially those whose voices aren’t always heard, and to do it in ways that feel honest, relevant and rooted in real life.

Over the years, the organisation has changed and grown. We’ve worked in different spaces, tried new forms, and responded to what young people and communities need at the time. What hasn’t changed is how we work, collaborating with young people to tell the stories they want to tell, in the ways they want to tell them.

Across 2026, we’ll be making twenty new pieces of work, co-created with young people and local artists, alongside shows, festivals, events and performances across the city and beyond.

This includes new work with artists such as Paisleigh Bi, Felix Mufti, and a series of celebratory films created with Isaiah Burnett (IBE Productions). Our Associate Director Paislie Reid will be creating new shows with our Youth Theatre, Community Company, outreach groups, and developing a new touring show for schools, community spaces and studio theatres.

Some of the things coming up include:

• Writers LAB showcase — eight new plays by Liverpool writers for young people
• HEAL, our first-ever Community Company show (12–14 February at LIPA)
• Sound System Music Festival — a new weekend festival in Williamson Square
• Youth Theatre Summer Show 2026
• A big birthday show on stage, curated by co-founder Julia Samuels
• Half Rice Half Chips, a new touring play co-created with Paisleigh Bi
• Transformations, led by Felix Mufti, supporting transgender artists
• NU NOIZE, new music projects, pop-up gigs and events across the year

More will be announced as the year unfolds.

Supporting what comes next

When 20 Stories High began 20 years ago, it was a leap into the unknown. Looking ahead now, the future feels uncertain again, in different ways. The arts sector is under real pressure, and we’re only here because of the support we’ve had from funders, partners and individuals over the years.

If you’ve ever thought about supporting 20 Stories High, 2026 is a good time to do it. Whether that’s coming to see the work, spreading the word, or donating if you’re able… it all helps us keep working with young people and communities in the way we believe in.

To find out more about how to support us, visit 20storieshigh.org.uk/donate or follow @20StoriesHigh on social media.