Break unjust rules, says director at awards ceremony
DIRECTOR EMMA Rice vowed to “pull down the ceilings” and “keep defying those pesky unwritten rules” as she was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre prize at the UK Theatre Awards.
The 52-year-old, who was previously artistic director at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, was recognised for her “unique, innovative and socially relevant work” at the ceremony at London’s Guildhall yesterday. Collecting the award from designer and regular collaborator Vicki Mortimer, Rice said: “Today feels like coming home – surrounded by theatre friends old and new, celebrating what it is to make work with and for communities, and recognising our power as outsiders, as radicals and as rebels.”
She added: “As others did for me, I promise to use all my strength, joy and experience to keep holding the doors wide open.
“I promise to pull down the ceilings and to keep defying those pesky unwritten rules that still seem to nag at our industry. If a rule is unjust, break it.”
Other winners at the awards – hosted by actor Jodie Prenger – included Sheffield Theatres production Life Of Pi, which won four gongs.
It took home best new play, best director for Max Webster, best design and best performance in a play for Hiran Abeysekera.
The play, adapted by Lolita Chaktrabarti from the Yann Martel novel, is due to transfer to the West End’s Wyndham’s Theatre next year.
Another Sheffield Theatres show, Standing At The Sky’s Edge, was awarded best musical production.
Five new “offstage” categories were introduced to the UK Theatre Awards this year, to reflect the changing theatre industry.
Northern Ballet won for digital innovation, York’s Pilot Theatre won excellence in touring, Colchester’s Mercury Theatre picked up the prize for excellence in inclusivity and Derby Theatre won excellence in arts education. Northern Stage won the workforce award.