Theatre recognised in Stage awards
DERBY Theatre has been given an award and high-profile listing by The Stage magazine. The Stage Awards are the highest profile awards celebrating theatre across the UK.
For 2021, the awards have been reimagined to recognise the extraordinary achievements of organisations and teams up and down the country in arguably the most challenging year the industry has ever faced.
The awards comprised seven accolades, with winners chosen and recognised for their achievements and impact in response to the pandemic. For the first time, judges decided to honour three organisations with a highly commended award in the Regional Theatre of the Year award category, Derby Theatre was one of those awarded.
On announcement of the awards, and in awarding the high commendation, The Stage described the theatre as: “Few theatres are as sure of their civic purpose as Derby Theatre. Under the leadership of Sarah Brigham, it has signposted the way for others in creating a theatre that is genuinely connected, local and networked.
“That means it has the trust of the local community, a role to play as a learning theatre – training the theatre workers of the future in partnership with Derby University – and a close and supportive relationship with freelancers. During 2020, it built on the trust established over many years, and delivered a programme of support, audience engagement and artist development that has been much needed and much appreciated. Derby’s not just a theatre – it’s a marvel.”
Ms Brigham, the theatre’s artistic director and chief artistic officer, said: “Derby Theatre places its civic responsibility at the heart of everything we do and this last year, more than ever before, the team have stepped up to the plate to ensure that whilst we are unable to put on shows to full houses, we can continue to be there for our community.
“From delivering food parcels to care leavers, to offering wellbeing sessions for the community, we have been busier than ever during lockdown. Our learning and artistic teams have been working face to face in the community with schools, key workers’ children and the most vulnerable; and our digital output has also soared with Zoom plays, an online festival, interviews with directors, designers and others for young people to engage with and a wealth of other online content to keep connected with our audiences.”