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UK Theatre Awards: 2020

UK Theatre Awards 2021

The only nationwide awards to celebrate the outstanding achievements of theatre across the UK, recognising the remarkable contributions UK Theatre members make to the industry.         

Important Update (posted: 04 February 2021)

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic the UK Theatre Awards 2021 will sadly not be going ahead. 

UK Theatre Awards logo - UKTA 2019
Due to the cancellation of this year's Awards, all applications and nominations are suspended. 

You can still find information about how categories, eligibility, applications, and timelines usually work in the UK Theatre Awards Information Pack (downloadable below) - or simply expand the tab on the topic of your choice. 

*Please note that applications for all categories are currently suspended due to COVID-19 whilst we assess alternative plans for the 2020 Awards. We will announce these in due course.*  


On Stage        

  • Achievement in Dance        
  • Achievement in Opera    
  • Best Design         
  • Best Director   
  • Best Musical Production
  • Best New Play  
  • Best Performance in a Musical   
  • Best Performance in a Play
  • Best Play Revival    
  • Best Show for Children and Young People
  • Best Supporting Performance (in a musical or play)
Throughout the year, Organisation Members can champion their outstanding productions for the On Stage awards categories by using our new Productions' Calendar to let members and the judging panels know about your production. At the end of the eligibility period (31 August) all UK Theatre members will then be able to nominate (via an online survey) one outstanding production/creative and/or performer in each of the On Stage categories. These will then be given to the On Stage Judging Panel for consideration.

   

Off Stage 

  • Digital Innovation
  • Excellence in Arts Education
  • Excellence in Inclusivity
  • Excellence in Touring
  • Workforce 

Organisation members can submit their applications throughout the year - the forms are available in the tab below. These application will then be voted on by the Off Stage Judging Panel to determine shortlisted nominees and winners. 

UK's Most Welcoming Theatre

UK Theatre Organisation Members are now invited to tell us why you’re a welcoming theatre in three ways; your place, your people and your programme. Application forms are available in the tab below - there is no longer a public vote for this award. 

Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre

Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre will continue to be awarded be the UK Theatre Board.

Gielgud Award for Excellence in the Dramatic Arts   

We will continue to work with the Shakespeare’s Guild to present the Gielgud Award.   

*Please note that applications for all categories are currently suspended due to COVID-19 whilst we assess alternative plans for the 2020 Awards* 

Application Forms:

Off Stage Awards

UK Theatre Organisation members can submit applications for the Off Stage Awards at any time during the year. All applications will be given to the Off Stage judging panel for consideration.

Eligibility period: 1 September 2019 - 31 August 2020.

Click on the award you would like to apply for and the application form will begin downloading            

UK's Most Welcoming Theatre 

This award is open to UK Theatre Organisation Members only.  Applications for this award are open from 1 May 2020 - 30 June 2020.      

Be inspired by 2019's UK's Most Welcoming Theatre winner, Storyhouse, here. 

If you have a question regarding applications please email ukt@soltukt.co.uk.      

Champion your organisation’s productions.

UK Theatre Organisation Members can promote their outstanding productions throughout the year using the UK Theatre Awards - Productions' Calendar (you must be logged-in and a member in order to view the calendar).

The Productions' Calendar shows the dates, and locations of submitted, eligible productions, along with booking information. This ensures that UK Theatre members producing work have a platform to champion their outstanding productions.

To view the calendar or submit a show, members should log-in and then visit the Productions' Calendar, where you will also find rules of eligibility.

UK Theatre Awards - Information Pack

The UK Theatre Awards Information Pack contains information and guidance on eligibility, categories, timeline, applications, nominations, judges etc.

If you have any questions not answered by the Information Pack or would like the pack in an alternative format, please contact us on ukt@soltukt.co.uk or call 020 7557 6700.

*Please note that applications for all categories are currently suspended due to COVID-19 whilst we assess plans for the 2020 Awards. We will announce plans in due course.*  

On Stage Panels

Theatre       

  • Arifa Akbar
  • Clare Brennan    
  • Dominic Cavendish         
  • Mark Fisher        
  • Sam Marlowe
  • Grania McFadden
  • Mark Shenton 
  • Natasha Tripney 
  • Chaired by Julian Bird

Dance 

  • Anna Winter
  • Andrew Hurst
  • Donald Hutera
  • Sanjoy Roy 
  • Chaired by Roger Spence

Opera

  • Henrietta Bredin 
  • Rupert Christiansen 
  • George Hall
  • Chaired by Julian Bird


Off Stage Panel

  • Fiona Allan 
  • Chris Glover 
  • Michèle Taylor
  • Chaired by Julian Bird

     

UK's Most Welcoming Theatre 

Applications are judged by a panel made up of UK Theatre Professional and Partner Members, and sponsors of the UK Theatre Awards:

  • Amanda Huxtable - Theatre Director/Producer
  • Andrew Miller - Disability Champion for the Arts & Cultural Sector
  • Danielle Ward - Marketing Consultant, Integro Entertainment & Sport
  • Julian Flitter - Partner, Goodman Jones LLP
  • Chaired by Julian Bird

As the industry evolves, so too do the Awards that celebrate its achievements.

In 2018 UK Theatre commissioned an independent review of the UK Theatre Awards.  We listened to what UK Theatre members, and the industry, wanted from the Awards and made changes to reflect the contemporary priorities of the UK’s theatre industry.

Refreshed and more relevant to today's industry. With new categories and a new way for UK Theatre members to get involved in deciding who will win.  

  • Awards categories have been refreshed to reflect the contemporary priorities of the UK’s theatre industry. Categories are divided into On Stage and Off Stage awards.      
  • Members can now get involved in the nomination process in several ways:        
  1. Use our Productions' Calendar to champion your show to members and judging panelists throughout the year   
  2. Submit an application for an Off Stage award 
  3. Recommend (via a survey) one outstanding production/creative and/or performer in each of the On Stage categories. 
  4. Apply to be recognised as the UK's Most Welcoming Theatre based on the work you do in three areas: people, place, and programme

All changes came into effect for the 2019 UK Theatre Awards and beyond.

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Get in touch

32 Rose Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 9ET

+44 (0)20 7557 6700

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"UK Theatre" is the operating name of UK Theatre Association, a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales, whose registered office is at 32 Rose Street, London, WC2E 9ET, Company No 323204.