Two Midlands theatres have been named as finalists in the most welcoming theatre category in the UK Theatre Awards 2023.
Nottingham Playhouse has been shortlisted along with Leicester’s Curve and the National Youth Theatre. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on Sunday 8 October.
Adam Penford, Nottingham Playhouse’s artistic director, said, “we’re thrilled to be selected as finalists. Our mission is for Nottingham Playhouse to be a space where everyone feels they belong. It’s what drives our staff to go above and beyond, our programming to be reflective of our city, our participation programme to be diverse and inclusive, and the experience for our audience to be of the highest quality.”
Hannah Essex, co-chief executive of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, commented, “each year we enjoy celebrating the theatres that go above and beyond to provide accessible and inclusive hubs for audiences, casts and creatives. The finalists are three very different venues that stood out for unique reasons, but there is a common quality among them—their mission to give back to their local communities and supporters.”
Nottingham Playhouse will also be holding an open day on Saturday 2 September. There will be backstage tours, drama workshops, storytelling sessions, a memorabilia sale and more.