The Stage

Stage award to honour regional theatre contribution

Published Tuesday 26 September 2006 at 13:50 by Alistair Smith

First-time nominees English Youth Ballet, Theatre Writing Partnership and A Play, a Pie and a Pint have joined The Watermill Theatre and the Plymouth Theatre Royal Applause Club - both shortlisted last year - in the nominations for this year’s Stage Award for Special Achievement in Regional Theatre.

The winner will be announced at the Theatrical Management Association Awards on October 15 at the Hampstead Theatre in London. Individuals or groups who have made a key contribution to regional theatre but whose efforts might otherwise be overlooked are eligible for recognition.

Of the five finalists, three - the Watermill, TRAC and EYB - were reader nominations, while TWP and A Play, a Pie and a Pint were put forward by the judging panel, which is made up of Stage editor Brian Attwood, assistant editor Scott Matthewman, consultant editor Peter Hepple, reviews commissioner Katie Phillips, news editor Alistair Smith and reporter Nuala Calvi.

Attwood commented: “This year’s shortlist is a very varied group. What they have in common is that all make a significant contribution to the regional theatre scene. As ever, we hope our award will bring their efforts to the attention of a wider audience.”

English Youth Ballet has been recognised for its work giving young dancers outside of London the chance to perform within a professional setting in regional theatres across England, Scotland and Wales.

Theatre Writing Partnership is an East Midlands-based programme focussed on new work, which has recently launched itself as an independent production company and secured Arts Council England funding for the first time. A Play, A Pie and A Pint is an innovative theatre scheme launched in Glasgow and recently expanded to Edinburgh whereby patrons can enjoy theatre over lunch, and has featured performers such as Robbie Coltrane.

Newbury’s Watermill Theatre is world renowned for its continued excellence and ability to punch above its weight - particularly over the past 12 months, which have seen it collect two Tony Awards for its production of Sweeney Todd.

TRAC is a supporters club which raises funds for the Theatre Royal Plymouth. With more than 6,000 members, it raised £80,000 towards the venue’s refurbishment and continues to organise events raising money for the venue.