The Theatrical Management Association has announced a new awards ceremony for the 2011 calendar. The Theatre Awards UK will recognise both performance and management excellence when they are presented on 30 October.
Theatre Awards UK, which are the only nationwide awards to honour outstanding theatrical work throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, will replace both the TMA’s Theatre and Theatre Management Awards.
Speaking about the change, TMA President Rachel Tackley said: “I am delighted that these important annual awards are being refreshed with a name that more accurately reflects the vital work they recognise. UK theatre is a source of immense national pride and one that is the envy of the world.”
The inaugural Theatre Awards UK, which are to be presented at a lunchtime ceremony hosted at London’s Inigo Jones-designed historic royal palace, Banqueting House, are to be sponsored by five organisations closely linked with UK theatre; industry newspaper The Stage, insurance company W&P Longreach, lawyers Harbottle & Lewis, marketing company Dewynters and UK-wide voucher scheme Theatre Tokens.
Julian Bird, Chief Executive of the TMA and the Society of London Theatre, added: “The re-launch of the UK’s key regional theatre awards gives us an exciting opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of theatre the length and breadth of the UK. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors and Banqueting House for working with us.”
Last year, London’s Royal Court theatre collected a brace of TMA Theatre Awards, with Spur Of The Moment winning Best New Play and The Empire winning Best Touring Production. The Royal Court, along with London’s other eligible companies, will discover if it is nominated at the Theatre Awards UK later in the year.
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