The city venues that last year withdrew their support for the Manchester Theatre Awards have now confirmed they are seeking to replace them with their own scheme.
Eleven theatres and arts organisations across Greater Manchester are to explore a new way in which theatre and performance can be celebrated.
To do so, they will this year meet with artists, producers, critics and audiences, “to identify the best way to celebrate Greater Manchester’s vibrant theatre scene.” It is hoped the new scheme will be up and running next year.
There is to be an emphasis on promoting diversity of work, critical voice and audience.
“It will be designed to reflect Greater Manchester’s wide-ranging theatre landscape in all its forms and embrace the cultural choices of audiences for whom theatre means many things,” an official press release explains.
It has been issued on behalf of Contact, HOME, Hope Mill Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester International Festival, The Met, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Palace Theatre & Opera House, Royal Exchange Theatre and Z-arts.