20 Stories High collaborative shows

Toxteth-based youth theatre company 20 Stories High may be getting ready for their biggest show to date on the Playhouse stage this September, but are keeping busy through the summer with brand new shows. Last week saw the premiere of Grounded, made in conjunction with Tim Lynskey of Big Wow; and next week, the reins will be passed over to Tmesis/ Physical Fest founder Elinor Randle for Crashed, that will be performed at the Cornerstone Theatre in Hope University on July 24 and 25. The shows are part of 20 Stories High's participation programme, that brings new, local artists on board to find fresh and creative experiences for the young people taking part, collaborating together to develop exciting new skills and techniques. The darkly comic Crashed has grown from ideas generated by the young people themselves, and is a coming of age tale following a group of teenagers in the wake of a terrible tragedy. Promising poignant and moving drama alongside innovative physicality, it demonstrates the power of the human spirit to survive in the face of terrible adversity. Director Elinor Randle said: "It's brilliant to work with 20 Stories High, a fantastic forward-thinking company who do such great work with young people, creating a supportive and open environment. I have loved working with the youth theatre, and introducing them to more physical way of working and creating theatre which they have really embraced. I'm really excited about this piece. We switch between two worlds, a naturalistic, sensitive story of a tragedy with young people and the crazy, magical and very physical, dream world." For more information on their work, visit 20storieshigh.org.uk.