Major award for Theatre Royal

May 19 2009 by Barbara Hodgson, The Journal

THE London spotlight was on the Theatre Royal in Newcastle during an awards ceremony.

The Newcastle venue, recently named as actor Ian McKellen’s favourite theatre, picked up a national accolade – the Renee Stepham Award – in the capital.

It beat competition from around the country to win the title of Best Presenting Theatre in the UK, at the major industry awards ceremony.

Its chief executive Philip Bernays was delighted. “This award is a great honour for us, and no small tribute to the exceptional commitment and dedication of our team,” he said.

“Every single member of staff has had a role to play in helping us to achieve this, and for that I am extremely grateful and proud”.

The 172-year-old theatre, a Grade 1 listed favourite, presents more than 380 performances – ranging from the Royal Shakespeare Company to Rambert Dance Company – to more than 300,000 people each year.

To win this award, a theatre has to demonstrate that it is top of its game in supporting touring artists, programming touring productions and developing audiences.