The Midlands were recognised three times in the UK Theatre Awards 2019 which celebrate the outstanding achievements of regional and national theatre.
Rebecca Trehearn picked up the best performance in a musical accolade for playing the lead in Neil Simon, Cy Coleman and Dorothy Field’s Sweet Charity at Nottingham Playhouse.
Buxton International Festival was presented with the achievement in opera award for the world première of Georgiana, a specially commissioned opera pasticci, celebrating the life and times of Georgiana Cavendish, the fifth Duchess of Devonshire. It was staged at Buxton Opera House.
Derby Theatre won the excellence in arts education award in recognition of its learning theatre vision which has transformed the venue over the past six years.
Sarah Brigham, the theatre’s artistic director and chief executive, said, “we’re absolutely thrilled that the UK Theatre Awards have introduced this award for the first time, and that we’re the inaugural winners.
“Our unique relationship with the University of Derby means we can offer world-class learning and research at all levels. Placing it at the heart of the artistic vision means we’re supporting and empowering our audiences to broaden their horizons and engaging new people in creative ways.”