The Unicorn Theatre has been awarded this year’s prestigious Peter Brook Empty Space Award in celebration of its innovative work for young audiences.
Triumphing over fellow nominees including London’s Theatre503, Union Theatre, Park Theatre and The Orange Tree, the leading London Bridge venue was presented with the award at a ceremony held at the National Theatre Studio.
Purni Morell, Artistic Director of the theatre famous for its challenging and exciting work for young audiences, described herself as “delighted” by the win, adding: “It is great to see that ambitious, innovative and risk-taking work for young audiences is at last being recognised as having equal status with adult theatre. We’re very proud.”
Now in its 25th year, the Peter Brook Awards are given annually to recognise “pioneering concepts or innovations in the spirit of Peter Brook”, with theatre critics Lyn Gardner, Dominic Cavendish, Mark Shenton, Fiona Mountford and Andrzej Lukowski on the panel alongside the award’s founder Blanche Marvin.
Other London based companies celebrating a win at this year’s awards included the capital-based theatre company Antic Disposition, who were awarded the Peter Brook/Equity Ensemble award, and the Barbican’s Head of Theatre Toni Racklin and Director of Arts Louise Jeffreys, who were presented with the Special Achievement Award for their work at the hugely successful East London arts venue.