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UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre

The UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award is an accolade presented annually at the UK Theatre Awards. The current holder of the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award is:

Nottingham Playhouse

UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre 2023 

Applications for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award 2024 are now open. UK Theatre Organisation Members are invited to apply for the Award and tell us why you’re a welcoming theatre in three ways; your place, your people and your programme. 

Here’s why last year’s winners, Nottingham Playhouse, would encourage you to apply:

The process of pulling together the submission was a timely reminder of just how much incredible work goes on across the building, and a worthwhile exercise to be able to reflect on this.

To be nominated and have the opportunity to present what we offer to the judges in person was thrilling and a chance for staff to really ‘walk the talk’. And to attend the final awards ceremony – and win! – was incredibly exciting. We look forward to continuing to celebrate this wonderful achievement throughout the year with our audiences and participants.

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:

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