UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre
The UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award is an accolade presented annually at the UK Theatre Awards.
UK Theatre member venues are invited to apply for the coveted award each year, with applications judged on how welcoming each venue is in the areas of ‘place’, ‘people’ and ‘programme’. The panel considered everything from the venues’ buildings and commitment to accessibility, to outreach projects and interactions with theatregoers, staff, freelancers and the local community.
The 2024 winner was Polka Theatre.
Previous Winners
2023: Nottingham Playhouse
In 2023, the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award went to Nottingham Playhouse. Their submission emphasised the breadth of their offer and how every department is encouraged to push the boundaries, challenge norms and consider accessibility and inclusion at every step.
From their diverse and ambitious programming to a consolidated programme of work experience, placements and apprenticeships to develop skilled backstage staff, new and innovative accessibility tools, from staff training in EDI and Dementia Awareness and ensuring financial accessibility for everyone to theatre, Nottingham Playhouse is a space for everyone, at the heart of the city.
We asked the Nottingham Playhouse team what winning the Award meant to them:
It means the world to have won this award. The hard work, warm welcome and commitment to inclusion that are at the heart of Nottingham Playhouse would happen anyway – they are central to who we are – but to have that recognised externally is a real boost to our whole team and reminds them how their dedication has a real impact on people’s lives.
‘Most welcoming’ means so much more than a friendly face and helpful team these days. It is ensuring that we do our very best to engage our many communities on a basis that is meaningful and accessible to them.
2022: Leeds Playhouse
Leeds Playhouse won the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award 2022 for their inviting, engaging, accessible and inclusive creative environment and being the first Theatre of Sanctuary for refugees and those seeking asylum.
2019: Storyhouse, Chester
The 2019 winner of the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award was Storyhouse in Chester, a multi-arts venue containing two theatre spaces.
Our wonderful, creative communities and visitors are integral to Storyhouse’s welcoming atmosphere. This award is symbolic of the vital role a cultural centre plays in a community and we are delighted to be recognised.
Andrew Bentley, CEO, Storyhouse
2018: The Mill at Sonning
In 2018, the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award was decided by public vote.
After an unprecedented 56,000 votes were cast by members of the public, the overall winner was The Mill at Sonning, the only dinner theatre in the UK, located on the banks of the River Thames.
Being able to say that we’re the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre has undoubtedly attracted more people to visit us and long may that continue.
Sally Hughes, Managing Director, The Mill at Sonning
The regional and national winners of the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award 2018 were:
- East: Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch
- East Midlands: Buxton Opera House
- London: Orange Tree Theatre
- North East: Newcastle Theatre Royal
- Northern Ireland: Grand Opera House, Belfast
- North West: Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
- Scotland: Pitlochry Festival Theatre
- South East: The Mill at Sonning
- South West: Arts Centre, Swindon
- Wales: New Theatre, Cardiff
- West Midlands: New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Yorkshire and the Humber: Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
