Trade body UK Theatre has revealed the nominations for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award for this year’s UK Theatre Awards 2024.

The finalists are Hall for Cornwall in Truro, the Octagon Theatre in Bolton, and the Polka Theatre in London.

The annual UK Theatre Awards celebrate the creative excellence and outstanding work seen in theatres across the UK.

To be nominated for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award, members of UK Theatre had to apply, with applications judged on how welcoming each venue is in the areas of ‘place’, ‘people’ and ‘programme’.

The judging panel considered elements including the venues’ buildings and commitment to accessibility, outreach projects and interactions with theatregoers, staff, freelancers and the local community.

The winner will be decided by the judging panel visiting the venues in person to determine the overall winner.

Winners of this year’s UK Theatre Awards will be announced on Sunday 20 October 2024 at a ceremony at 8 Northumberland Avenue in London.

What They Said

Claire Walker & Hannah Essex, Co-CEOs of Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, said in a statement: “Local theatres make a vital contribution to the cultural, social and economic health of communities across the UK. It’s fantastic to celebrate the theatres that are going above and beyond to provide a welcoming space for audiences, community groups and creatives. With a huge array of brilliant theatres to choose from, we know how competitive this category was, and want to thank everyone who put themselves forward. This year’s finalists are three very different venues that stood out for unique reasons, but there is a common quality among them; their passion and dedication to giving back to their local communities and supporters. Congratulations to the finalists and thank you to the panel who will be visiting all three venues in the coming weeks and making the difficult decision of which venue will be crowned the overall winner at the UK Theatre Awards in October.”

Octagon Theatre Bolton Chief Executive, Roddy Gauld, said: “We truly believe the Octagon is for everyone. We strive to make everybody feel warmly welcome and included, and to reach as many people as possible – in our theatre and in communities across Bolton. So, we’re absolutely delighted to be nominated for this award, and for our brilliant team’s care and efforts to be recognised in this way.”

Julien Boast, CEO & Creative Director of Hall for Cornwall, said: “It’s such a heartwarming moment for the team, to be nominated for this award. Congratulations to our shortlisted colleagues around the UK. Hall for Cornwall is a vital beacon of entertainment and culture for an isolated rural community who often travel great distances to attend. I’m immensely proud of the team of staff and volunteers who work incredibly hard to ensure every visitor is warmly welcomed.”

Helen Matravers, Artistic Director & Joint CEO of Polka Theatre, said: “We are over the moon to be nominated for this award. Polka is a truly unique venue, and we strive to be inclusive, accessible, inspiring and welcoming in everything we do. Polka belongs to so many: to our local community, to young audiences who crucially help shape our offer, to magic-weaving freelance artists, to schools, nurseries and families, and to our brilliant staff and volunteer teams who work so incredibly hard – we’re so delighted that this nomination celebrates all of them!”

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Main photo: UK Theatre Awards 2024 - Most welcoming theatres finalists: Hall for Cornwall, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Polka Theatre

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