The stage is set for a celebration of community spirit and inclusion, as UK Theatre has announced the finalists for its 2025 UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award. Birmingham Rep, Royal & Derngate, and Shakespeare North Playhouse will now compete for the coveted title, with the winner to be revealed at this year’s UK Theatre Awards on Sunday 12 October at 8 Northumberland Avenue.
The award recognises theatres that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to accessibility, audience development, inclusive programming, and outreach. UK Theatre member venues from across the UK were invited to apply, with the shortlisted venues selected following a rigorous assessment of their practices both front and back of house.
The judging panel will undertake site visits over the coming months, engaging with staff, exploring the buildings, attending activities, and even speaking directly with audiences to assess how well each venue lives up to its ethos of welcome and inclusion.
Claire Walker, Co-CEO of Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, praised the finalists for embodying the power of local theatre. “Local theatres are the beating heart of communities across the UK – inspiring creativity, fostering connection, and driving both cultural and economic impact. This year’s finalists have shown exceptional commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for audiences, artists and staff alike.”
Birmingham Rep, a cornerstone of UK theatre for over a century, brings a legacy of producing world-class theatre with a strong emphasis on new work. It remains the only producing theatre in the UK’s Second City and has launched the careers of theatre legends such as Laurence Olivier and Peter Brook. Its extensive outreach programme is among the most diverse in the country, making the theatre a vibrant hub for talent development and community engagement.
Birmingham Rep’s Chief Executive Rachael Thomas and Artistic Director Joe Murphy jointly welcomed the nomination: “This nomination reflects a whole Team Rep effort… everyone here truly cares about guaranteeing we provide our visitors, audiences and participants unforgettable experiences and ensure creative opportunities are available to as many people as possible, across our diverse communities.”
Royal & Derngate in Northampton continues to position itself as a key cultural venue, known for both its acclaimed “Made in Northampton” productions and as a platform for major national and international tours. The venue has recently celebrated industry accolades including an Olivier Award win for Best Family Show. Its Generate artist development initiative and robust Creative Engagement programme reach deep into local schools and communities.
Upon getting nominated, Jo Gordon, Chief Executive of Royal & Derngate, highlighted the theatre’s community-centred ethos: “We love nothing more than welcoming people into our spaces – whether for a performance, a rehearsal, a workshop, a video gaming event or a vintage clothing sale… It’s important that we are here for everyone, making our spaces as accessible and welcoming as possible whatever your needs or interests.”
Shakespeare North Playhouse, the newest of the finalists, has made a remarkable impact since opening in 2022. Built around the unique Cockpit theatre, the venue has already collected over 30 awards and nominations, including Theatre Building of the Year at The Stage Awards 2023. With a strong emphasis on innovation and cultural regeneration, it has hosted co-productions with major companies and created space for local participation and creative access.
CEO and Creative Director Lisa Allen at Shakespeare North Playhouse expressed pride in the recognition: “This really recognises the people – our brilliant team, volunteers, artists and audiences – who make this place special. Shakespeare North is all about community, connection and creativity.”
Now entering its fourth decade, the UK Theatre Awards continue to honour the breadth of theatre across the UK. This year’s ceremony will also see the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre award, selected by the UK Theatre Board, alongside other accolades across stage and behind-the-scenes categories. With the judging process now underway, anticipation builds for October’s awards, where one venue will be named the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre – a title that speaks not just to architecture or programming, but to a theatre’s role as a cultural sanctuary for all.
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