20 Stories High turns 20 this year, and they are so excited to celebrate the past, present and future.
20 Stories High began its life in 2006 set up by Co-Founders Julia Samuels and Keith Saha in Liverpool. An organisation dedicated to making world-class, groundbreaking theatre with and for culturally diverse, working-class young people. Coming into their 20th year, they are using this significant milestone to look back at where they have come from, celebrate where they are now, and to look ahead to what’s next.
Over the years the company has gone through many changes, adapting and evolving to meet the needs of audiences and participants in Liverpool and across the UK. But their mission has always remained the same: to collaborate with young people and communities to develop the stories they want to tell, in the ways in which they want to tell them.
Jemimah Akaunu, Young Trustee:
“It’s really incredible that 20 Stories High is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary. I have been a part of 20 stories for almost 4 years, starting in the Youth Theatre and now I’m a Young Board Trustee. It’s been fantastic to see how many different ways we’ve been able to create art, not just for us but also for the community. One of my favourite shows has been ‘Ghost Town’. Being able to create theatre while incorporating rap, grime, and singing felt really authentic to us as performers and what we’ve grown up with. I’m so excited to see all the amazing projects coming up this year!”
Going into 2026 feels significant in so many ways. In December the team said goodbye to co-founder Keith Saha. Keith’s belief in young people and in the power of theatre will leave a lasting legacy throughout the year, whilst making space for new artists and creative voices in their 20th birthday programme of new work.
Jennifer John, Vice Chair of 20 Stories High:
“As Vice Chair of 20 Stories High, I’m incredibly proud of an organisation that has spent 20 years placing young voices at the centre of world-class theatre. This milestone honours a remarkable legacy — and an even more exciting future.” –
This birthday year will feature twenty brand new pieces of work co-created with exceptional local artists including Paisleigh Bi (Liverpool artist and musician), Felix Mufti (Liverpool actor best known for their role on Netflix’s Sex Education) and a series of celebratory films created with Isaiah Burnett (IBE Productions). 20 Stories High’s Associate Director Paislie Reid will create new shows with 20 Stories High’s Youth Theatre, Community Company, outreach groups and a new touring show for schools, community spaces and studio theatres.
Leanne Jones, 20 Stories High CEO:
“This is an exciting opportunity to reflect on the ground-breaking work made possible by our co-founders Keith and Julia and our team, whilst also maximising on the impact this unique organisation can have on incredible young people and communities now and in the future. We have created a programme of shows, activities, festivals and events that we hope will bring so much joy, provocation and hope at a time when it feels so needed.”
To kick off their 20th birthday celebrations, here’s a list of upcoming events, with more to be announced soon:
- Writers LAB showcase in January: Launching eight brand new plays written by Liverpool writers for young people
- First ever Community Company show: HEAL will be performed at LIPA 12th-14th February
- Brand new Sound System Music Festival will take place in the Spring: a weekend festival celebrating incredible local artists in Williamson Square
- Youth Theatre Summer Show 2026: Co-created with and directed by 20 Stories High’s Associate Director Paislie Reid
- A big birthday bash on stage: Celebrating past, present and future, curated by co-founder Julia Samuels
- Half Rice Half Chips: A brand-new play co-created with Paisleigh Bi will tour in the autumn
- Transformations: Led by Felix Mufti, commissioning and mentoring six transgender artists, while building a sustainable network that champions trans creativity and visibility.
- Nu Noize: New music projects for young musicians, and pop up gigs and events across the year
Catrina Hewitson, 20 Stories High Chair:
“The company and its work are as essential as ever and we’re proud to be heading into our 20th year in with a mix of celebration, reflection and artistic ambition and as always, the voices of young people and communities at our centre” –
Supporting the future of 20 Stories High
When Keith Saha and Julia Samuels took their first steps towards creating 20 Stories High twenty years ago, it was a leap into the unknown in uncertain times. As 20 Stories High looks forward to the next two decades, things are just as uncertain – but for different reasons. The whole arts and culture sector is under pressure and needs your support. 20 Stories High wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for a group of supporters, including charitable foundations, Arts Council England, Children in Need and generous individuals.
If you’ve ever thought about donating to 20 Stories High, 2026 would be a great time to do it, and maybe show some love to other arts organisations that are close to your heart at the same time.
To find out how to support 20 Stories High in their big year, visit 20storieshigh.org.uk/donate/ or follow @20StoriesHigh on social media.
Categories: 2026 | Arts & Culture | News | Theatre & Performance
