UK Theatre Awards 2016: winners

The winners of the UK Theatre Awards 2016, the only awards to honour outstanding achievement in performing, producing and management in theatres throughout the United Kingdom, were announced at a ceremony at London’s Guildhall this afternoon.

The awards were compèred by award-winning actor Lesley Manville, with a performance from Clare Burt and appearances from guest presenters including Dame Eileen Atkins, Owen Teale, Laura Pitt-Pulford, Stephanie Beacham, Don Warrington and Preeya Kalidas.

A full list of winners can be found below.

The Mill at Sonning was announced as the overall winner of the public vote for UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre 2016 in association with Smooth Radio.  Most Welcoming Theatre, which is the only award voted for by the public, is an unparalleled opportunity for audiences to celebrate their local theatre.

The £150,000 Clothworkers’ Theatre Award was given to Northern Stage, as part of the Foundation’s five year £1.25 million programme to support the dramatic arts. The award can be used for anything from capital works to sponsoring a touring production, but it must be used for a specific purpose and may not be added to the theatre’s general funds. A different region in England will be selected each year.

Ian McKellen received the award for Outstanding Contribution To British Theatre in recognition of his tireless work both in championing diversity and for his commitment to theatre, including touring productions, across the country. Vanessa Redgrave received the Gielgud Award for Excellence in the Dramatic Arts in recognition of her unrivalled career on stage and screen.

In the awards for off-stage excellence, Northern Ballet won the Achievement in Marketing award, while The Renee Stepham Award For Best Presentation Of Touring Theatre went to Northern Stage. This year the award for Promotion Of Diversity was given to Belgrade Theatre. Diane Belding from Liverpool Empire Theatre was named Manager Of The Year.