Hall for Cornwall, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Polka Theatre have been shortlisted for the 2024 ‘UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award’. The winner will be revealed at the UK Theatre Awards, which is set to take place on Sunday 20th October at 8 Northumberland Avenue. This annual event celebrates the creative excellence and outstanding work seen in theatres across the UK.

UK Theatre member venues were invited to apply for the coveted award, with applications judged on how welcoming each venue is in the areas of ‘place’, ‘people’ and ‘programme’. The panel considered everything from the venues’ buildings and commitment to accessibility, to outreach projects and interactions with theatregoers, staff, freelancers and the local community.

With applications from all over the UK, the three finalists were selected from a large number of submissions. The judging panel will now visit the venues in person to determine the overall winner. Visits often involve 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.

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Courtesy of Rankin.

Portraits of this year’s Olivier Award-winners and some of theatre biggest names, taken by acclaimed photographer Rankin, will be displayed on the Piccadilly Lights at 4pm on Tuesday 11 June as the Society of London Theatre celebrate the UK’s world-leading theatre industry. These striking portraits, sponsored by Fujifilm and photographed on their GFX100 ii large format camera, were taken at this year’s prestigious Olivier Awards with Mastercard of the ceremony’s star-studded array of winners and nominees. Alongside stills of the portraits, the Piccadilly Lights display will include video footage shot by Cameron O’Connell.

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Society of London Theatre have announced their plans to search for their next cohort of Associate Members. The ‘Associate Membership’ pilot was launched in March, designed to identify producers and future theatre industry leaders in London who would not be eligible for other categories of SOLT membership. The first cohort, who will be Associate Members for another year, are Aidan Grounds, Ameena Hamid, Charlotte Holder, Chuchu Nwagu, Fiona Steedand Sarah Jordan Verghese.

SOLT are now beginning the search for up to six more individuals to join the scheme for a period of 2 consecutive years.

SOLT areencouraging applications from groups who have historically been under-represented within their membership over the last 114 years, ensuring that the membership becomes more inclusive and representative of society in its broadest sense and reflects the people of London.

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All children have the right to experience our country’s world-leading theatre sector. The benefits are far reaching – it enhances children’s educational attainment and wellbeing, addresses skills shortages in the theatre sector and boosts the economy.  But access is unequal. Children from low-income families are missing out the most because they are less likely to have access to cultural experiences outside of school. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has also led to teachers and parents reporting a reduction in school trips of up to 68% compared to last year, which includes theatre visits. Ahead of the next general election in 2024, the Theatre for Every Child campaign asks all political parties to commit to fund a theatre visit for every child before they leave school. A pledge supported by 84 percent of parents. The campaign was launched at an event on stage at London Palladium with campaign supporters, including the following, who said:

Co-CEO of SOLT & UK Theatre, Claire Walker:

“We believe every child has the right to experience and enjoy our country’s world-leading theatre. Despite amazing work that theatres do up and down the country, access is not equal. This is not right. Which is why we are calling on all political parties to support our call for every child to attend the theatre before they leave school.” 

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Society of London Theatre have announced the appointment of their incoming President, Kash Bennett.  She will be serving as Vice President until 2024, when she will then take over from current President, Eleanor Lloyd. Holding the post of Managing Director of National Theatre Productions for over seven years, as well as serving three years on the SOLT board, Kash Bennett brings extensive industry experience to the role of SOLT President.  She is responsible for delivering all live theatre performed outside of the National Theatre, including the West End, Broadway, and all UK and international touring productions. 

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Today, on Friday 17 March, the Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard hosted their Nominees’ Celebration, in partnership with Cunard at The Londoner hotel, the world’s first super boutique hotel in the heart of London’s theatre district.

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Society of London Theatre have announced their plans to launch a new category of membership. The ‘Associate Membership’ will be designed to identify producers and future theatre industry leaders in London who would not be eligible for other categories of SOLT membership.

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Nominations have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard, British theatre’s most prestigious honours, which will take place on Sunday 2 April at the Royal Albert Hall.

This year’s most nominated production is My Neighbour Totoro, the new stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s beloved 1988 animated film. Brought to the stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company and legendary Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi, the production received a total of nine nominations, including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, Best Director, Best Theatre Choreographer, Best Original Score and a Best Actress nod for Mei Mac.

Courtesy of Pamela Raith.

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Two individuals have been honoured in the ‘Special Awards’ category of the Olivier Awards with Mastercard 2023, recognising their outstanding contributions to the theatre industry.

Dame Arlene Phillips has been awarded this year’s ‘Special Award’.

Arlene is a world-renowned choreographer and theatre director, honoured as a DBE for her services to dance and charity for over 45 years. Previously nominated for two Olivier Awards in the ‘Best Theatre Choreographer’ category, she is recognised for her considerable involvement with shows such as Starlight Express, Grease and Saturday Night Fever.

Arlene has also choreographed for high profile music videos (Whitney Houston, Elton John, Queen) and films (Annie, Ridley Scott’s Legend, Monty Python). She has been widely celebrated for her work on television, including her time as a judge on talent competitions Strictly Come Dancing, and So You Think You Can Dance, and as an events choreographer (BRIT Awards, The Royal Variety Show, Children in Need).

Sir Derek Jacobi receives this year’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his remarkable 60-year career on stage and screen.

Derek has garnered critical acclaim over his distinguished career and been the recipient of numerous accolades, including two Olivier Awards (Cyrano de Bergerac and Twelfth Night). He is also one of the founding members of the National Theatre, enlisted by Laurence Olivier himself. In 1994, Derek was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to theatre.

His lengthy career has known no bounds, from his famous affiliation with Shakespeare both in film and theatre (Hamlet, Romeo And Juliet, King Lear), to his notable roles on the small screen (Last Tango In Halifax, The Crown, Vicious). His other noteworthy cinema appearances include Gladiator, The Kings Speech and Murder On The Orient Express.

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Official London Theatre is adding hundreds of additional performances to its much-loved sale, with thousands more tickets for your favourite productions now available to book until the end of March, plus 11 brand new shows to choose from.

‘Accidental Death of an Anarchist’ – Lyric Hammersmith in association with Sheffield Theatres.

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