Breaking Barriers has played a key role in supporting the development of young artist, writer and accessibility consultant Sam Jamil, helping him grow from an emerging performer into a board member and a creative practitioner.
Sam first met Breaking Barriers’ Artistic Director, Parvez Qadir, through his drama teacher, when he was invited to take part in “Dreams Buried Deep”, a co-production with the Royal Exchange Theatre and Touchstones Rochdale, directed by Parvez. This marked Sam’s first professional theatre performance and his first experience of the Royal Exchange Theatre. It was the beginning of an ongoing professional relationship with Breaking Barriers that has continued to shape his creative journey.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sam then worked with Parvez on a video project documenting everyday life and lived experiences during lockdown. This opportunity strengthened his connection to Breaking Barriers and further supported his development as a storyteller, giving him space to explore how personal narratives can be shared through creative media.
Following the establishment of Breaking Barriers in 2020, Sam went on to become an access consultant for productions including Stories We Tell (Rochdale and Halifax) and Elevation. As a wheelchair user, his lived experience was central to this work. He helped identify access barriers, improve audience experience, and support the development of more inclusive approaches to outdoor theatre design. This work has since extended beyond Breaking Barriers, with Sam contributing to accessibility improvements at organisations including Factory International and Bonded Warehouse.
Sam is now a board member at Breaking Barriers, where he continues to bring his lived experience into organisational decision-making and help shape the company’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Alongside his accessibility and advisory work, Sam is also a writer and actor. His original play, Ward 76, co-written with his mother Shirley, is currently touring schools, theatres and community settings across Rochdale and Manchester.
Ward 76 follows three teenage patients who experience a sudden hospital power outage and must navigate uncertainty, friendship and fear while searching for WiFi. The play explores themes of friendship, identity and resilience, as well as anxiety, disability and hospital experiences through young voices. At its heart, it balances humour, hope and connection, offering an honest but uplifting portrayal of young people in medical settings.
The production is designed primarily for young people, particularly secondary-age audiences, and is widely used in schools and SEN settings. Alongside performances, it is supported by learning resources, creative activities and wellbeing guidance to encourage reflection and discussion.
Breaking Barriers continues to support Sam’s development through ongoing mentoring, including Arts Council England bid-writing, touring guidance, school engagement support, creative development input and professional feedback. This sustained relationship has been central to Sam’s growth as both an artist and an accessibility advocate.
Sam shared:
“Breaking Barriers is such a nurturing company and a real asset to the Rochdale community and beyond. Jodie and Parvez have given me so much support over the years and continue to do so, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now if it wasn’t for them. I think it’s so important that we continue to celebrate our local stories and stories beyond Rochdale, they’re all important and I love that Breaking Barriers is set to amplify those stories and voices.”
Learn more about Ward 76:
https://www.ward76.co.uk/