“World-class work” earns Nottingham Playhouse top award

Published: 24 January 2025
Reporter: Steve Orme

Nottingham Playhouse chief executive Stephanie Sirr MBE and artistic director Adam Penford with the Theatre of the Year award Credit: Alex Brenner

Being named Theatre of the Year 2025 in The Stage Awards recognises that Nottingham Playhouse is producing “world-class work” in the city, according to chief executive Stephanie Sirr.

The Playhouse and London’s Orange Tree Theatre were joint winners of the accolade. The judges commended both the winners for their strong artistic leadership and thriving off-stage programmes supporting local artists and individuals in their communities.

Sirr said, “we’re really delighted to win the prestigious Theatre of the Year award. It’s fantastic for the staff, board, creatives and freelancers who work so hard and with such dedication. It also celebrates our much-needed sponsors and supporters. And it recognises that we’re producing world-class work in Nottingham.”

Artistic director Adam Penford added, “we’ve been bold in our programming choices and that artistic risk has paid off in audience attendance and the raising of important issues beyond the theatre. The majority of our productions in 2024 were new plays which goes to show that you don't just have to rely on classic titles to attract an audience.”

Nottingham Playhouse was also shortlisted in the Campaign of the Year for its work on James Graham’s play Punch, a new award which honours the behind-the-scenes work of marketing and PR.

Graham was also presented with his number one award in The Stage 100 list and referenced his work on Punch at Nottingham Playhouse in his acceptance speech. His citation in The Stage read: "This is a playwright with his finger on the pulse—who always taps into the stories of today and their relevance in society. And the fact that his work reaches beyond the confines of theatre speaks volumes about his power as a writer and his influence which is what The Stage 100 list is all about.”

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