Theatre Royal narrowly misses out on top award in glittering ceremony in London

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has narrowly missed out on the  “UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award”.

Sponsored by Encore at the UK Theatre Awards, the ceremony in Northumberland Avenue, in London yesterday, Monday, October 12, featured Jodie Comer taking home the award for Outstanding Achievement In British Theatre. 

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds was nominated for three awards including “UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre”, “Excellence in Touring” for “Caroline: A New Musical”, East Anglian Touring Consortium and Best New Play for “Black Sheep”.

Since 1991, UK Theatre’s annual  UK Theatre Awards have celebrated the creative excellence and outstanding work seen on and off stage throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Owen Calvert-Lyons, the artistic director and CEO of Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be nominated for this award.

“This nomination is testament to the dedication of our brilliant staff team and particularly to our team of 120 volunteer stewards who give up their time to ensure that audiences have a great time when visiting Theatre Royal.”

UK Theatre member venues were invited to apply for the coveted award, and the three finalists were selected based on how welcoming the venues are across multiple factors, from accessibility and inclusion practices, to programming, outreach,  workforce and audience development.

The judging panel visited the venues in September which involved meeting staff, having a tour of the building, taking part in a scheduled activity, speaking to audience members or visiting the onsite café or restaurant with Theatr Clwyd winning the title.

Hannah Essex, the Co-CEO of Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, said:  “Theatres thrive when they are deeply connected to the people and places they serve, and this year’s finalists – Nottingham Playhouse, Theatr Clwyd and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds – have each demonstrated an outstanding commitment  to creating welcoming spaces for audiences, artists, staff and their local communities.

“We are proud to celebrate their ambition, leadership and commitment to making theatre accessible, relevant and inclusive for everyone.”