UK Theatre has announced the 3 finalists of this year’s UK's Most Welcoming Theatre award. The Award, sponsored by Theatre Tokens, is part of the annual UK Theatre Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in theatre across the UK.
New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme “The UK Theatre Awards are fantastic at recognising the amazing work that’s going on around the country so we couldn’t be more delighted to be named as a finalist for UK Theatre’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award this year. To be shortlisted as one of only three finalists for this national award is a real testament of our team’s dedication to providing an inclusive, friendly environment at our theatre.” (Fiona Wallace, Managing Director)
Storyhouse, Chester
"We are thrilled to be in the top three most welcoming theatres in the UK. 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)
Young Vic, London
“We see the Young Vic as a civic member of its community; a safe and accessible space fuelled by the spirit of empathy, generosity and inclusiveness. At the Young Vic our programme, our people and our spaces are reflective of contemporary society and everybody is welcome. We want anyone who engages with us to feel like the Young Vic is a home away from home. Come on in!” (Kwame Kwei-Armah, Artistic Director, and Despina Tsatsas, Executive Director)
The overall winner will be announced at the UK Theatre Awards ceremony on Sunday 27 October 2019 at London's Guildhall.
UK's Most Welcoming Theatre Judging Panel:
- Amanda Huxtable - Theatre Director/Producer
- Andrew Miller - Disability Champion for the Arts & Cultural Sector
- Danielle Ward - Marketing Consultant, Integro Entertainment and Sport
- Julian Flitter - Partner, Goodman Jones LLP
- Chaired by Julian Bird
Julian Flitter, Partner, Goodman Jones, said:
“Hearty congratulations to the three finalists in a very competitive category. It was terrific to see so much evidence of the work that so many theatres are doing to be welcoming and accessible. It made our job very difficult to pick just three finalists. I am very much looking forward to visiting the finalists and experiencing their welcome in person”.
Andrew Miller, Disability Champion for the Arts & Cultural Sector said:
"It is great to see so many theatres across the country value their welcome and accessibility, leading to difficult decisions for us as award panellists. I'm now really looking forward to visiting our finalists in Chester, Newcastle-under-Lyme and London."
Amanda Huxtable, Theatre Director/Producer said:
“It was heartening to see a consistent recognition of some of the good practices campaigned for in Theatre and I look forward to visiting the finalist and finding out more about their work and welcome”.
Dani Ward, Marketing Consultant, Integro Entertainment and Sport said:
"Huge Congrats to the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre finalists. It was so great to see so many of our theatres doing so much to be welcoming, inclusive, accessible and offering such diverse programming – we managed to pick a shortlist of 3 but boy it wasn’t easy! Looking forward to our October visits!"
Date Published: 26 July 2019
