The Stage

Regional theatre champions shortlisted for Stage Award

Published Tuesday 25 September 2007 at 15:05 by Alistair Smith

Six first-time nominees, including three reader nominations, feature on the shortlist for this year’s Stage Award for Special Achievement in Regional Theatre.

Manchester property company Bruntwood, theatre organisation Chicken Shed and the Tivoli Theatre Trust were put forward by The Stage’sjudging panel and join reader choices Eastern Angles theatre company, Nottingham Playhouse’s Young Critics’ Circle Scheme and Northumberland Theatre Company.

Stage editor Brian Attwood commented: “The quality and quantity of reader suggestions has been the significant feature of this year’s Stage Award.

“Their input has given us a marvellous range of nominees this year and ensured that no part of the country has missed the opportunity to be considered for the shortlist.”

Bruntwood has been recognised for its sponsorship of the Manchester International Festival and the Bruntwood Playwriting Competition, both launched this year. Chicken Shed is nominated for its work setting up satellite ‘sheds’ across the country in locations such as Blackpool and Fife and the Tivoli Theatre Trust makes the shortlist for its work trying to reopen the long dark Tivoli Theatre in Aberdeen.

Meanwhile, Eastern Angles receives a nomination for 25 years of bringing high quality theatre to the towns and villages of East Anglia, while Nottingham Playhouse’s scheme to encourage youngsters to engage with theatre also makes the list, having received a nomination from one of the young critics who has taken part in the scheme for the past five years. The final place goes to NTC for its touring work across the UK and its commitment to Arts Council England’s Interact scheme - a training and development programme for theatre professionals.

The winner will be announced at the Theatrical Management Association Awards on October 21 at Hampstead Theatre.