Readers nominate Hall for Cornwall and Richard Jordan for Stage’s special achievement award

Published Tuesday 14 October 2008 at 14:45 by Alistair Smith

Hall for Cornwall and independent theatre producer Richard Jordan are this year’s reader nominations for The Stage’s Special Achievement in Regional Theatre Award.

The pair form part of a shortlist of six, which is completed by four nominees put forward by The Stage’s judging panel. These are the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Arcola Theatre, producer Edward Snape and the Latitude Festival.

The RSC has been nominated for its efforts over recent seasons in reintroducing the ethos of ensemble theatre-making to the company. The Arcola makes the list for its pioneering work in attempting to turn the north London theatre into a an environmentally-friendly venue. Snape is nominated for his company Fiery Angel’s involvement as a producer on the UK tour of Lazy Town Live - a commercial children’s show which promotes healthy living among youngsters. Meanwhile, the Latitude Festival - a multi-artform event held in Suffolk annually - is nominated for its theatre tent, which this year featured plays from companies such at the RSC, Royal Court and National Theatre.

Readers put forward Jordan for his extensive touring portfolio across the UK, for which he was praised as being “able to balance artistic work and risk-taking together with the populist”. Hall for Cornwall, meanwhile, was recommended for its “brave, pioneering approach in a socially, geographically and economically challenged location”.

Stage editor Brian Attwood commented: “This year’s nominations reflect the huge variety of regional theatre today, from the subsidised to the commercial sector and from individuals to large organisations. I am particularly pleased that the shortlist features two reader nominations. These have, in the past, gone on to win the prestigious award itself.”

The award is given as part of the Theatrical Management Association Theatre Awards, which will be presented at a ceremony at the Hampstead Theatre on October 26.