About this project

1001 Stories is a mass-participation project that sits at the heart of Leeds’ 2023 Year of Culture. A collaboration between The Performance EnsembleLeeds PlayhouseLEEDS 2023Leeds Museums and Galleries and Leeds Older People’s Forum, the joint-project will put the voices, histories and stories of older people centre-stage by gathering 1001 stories from those aged 60 and over and creating new artistic work based on these stories.

Takeover of Leeds Playhouse, April 24 – May 6

There is a takeover of Leeds Playhouse by older people, from April 24 – May 6. Find out about – and book your tickets – all of the events.

Do you have a story to tell?

We believe that everybody is creative and has a story to tell. This could be anything from a funny anecdote, to a milestone memory. Your story does not have to be a long one; if it is true and means something to you, then we want to hear it.

Our aim is to present a vast range of experiences from the people of Leeds and to demonstrate that the stories of older people have cultural value – whether that is by making others laugh, think, feel or simply engage with a story that is different from their own.

Anyone over the age of 60 with a connection to Leeds can take part; whether you were born here, have lived or worked here, or currently call Leeds home.

Tell your story

Submitting your story to 1001 Stories is simple. View or download our Guidance Booklet at the link below, or go to www.theperformanceensemble.com/1001stories for more information.

Contact the Team

The team are committed to making 1001 Stories accessible so that as many people as possible can take part. If you need further assistance in submitting your story, or would like to discuss the project with the team, you can contact us directly: