Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is overjoyed to win the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre award for the East region in the UK Theatre Awards, in association with Smooth Radio.
The Theatre is among 12 regional winners announced yesterday by UK Theatre and all will be invited to the annual UK Theatre Awards ceremony on 9 October at London’s historic Guildhall, where the overall winner will be announced.
The award, which is voted for by the public, is an opportunity for audiences to celebrate their local theatre.
Julian Bird, Chief Executive of UK Theatre, said: ‘Theatres play a vital role in communities across the UK, so it has been wonderful to see so many votes cast. This campaign brings together audiences, theatres, performers and producers and gives everyone the opportunity to celebrate their local venue.’
Awards judge Paul Phear said: ‘It is a privilege to team up with UK Theatre once again as we crown the nation’s Most Welcoming Theatre. This Award is even more special because it is the audiences, including our Smooth Radio listeners, who have chosen the winner. I look forward to announcing the result next month.’
The Queen’s Theatre’s Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul says: ‘We’re delighted to win this award. Thank you to everyone who voted and to the team at the Queen’s Theatre. We’re working hard to be a welcoming, accessible venue – our customer service is warm and efficient and our varied programme of entertainment offers something for all ages and interests. Crucially, we’re reaching out to many more members of the community – who may not have previously felt able to visit the theatre – with several new initiatives, from £1 ticket offers to Relaxed Performances for audiences with autism and Dementia-Friendly performances.’
Lesley Manville OBE will be compèring at the ceremony, where Vanessa Redgrave CBE will be receiving The Gielgud Award for Excellence in the Dramatic Arts, while Sir Ian McKellen will collect the award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre.
This year’s nominations demonstrate the breadth and depth of outstanding talent and achievement in theatre and the performing arts throughout the United Kingdom, on and off stage. The full list can be viewed atwww.uktheatre.org.
For more information about the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or visit queens-theatre.co.uk
