Agenda item
Recognition of Theatr Clwyd: Regional Theatre of the Year
The theatre won regional theatre of the year at The Stage awards held on 6th January.
The Stage Awards are the highest profile awards celebrating theatre across the whole of the UK and beyond. This year, the awards have been reimagined to recognise the extraordinary achievements of teams up and down the country in arguably the most challenging year the industry has ever faced.
Winners were chosen for their achievements and impact in response to the coronavirus pandemic. They were selected by the awards’ judging panel following a public nominations process and consultation. The judges said “In 2020, Theatr Clwyd has been more than a theatre: it has been a beacon, one that won the hearts and trust of the many communities it serves.”
Minutes:
The Chair introduced and welcomed Tamara Harvey, Artistic Director of Theatr Clwyd, and Liam Evans-Ford, Executive Director of Theatr Clwyd and Chair of Theatr Cymru.
The Chair informed that the Theatre had won regional theatre of the year at the Stage Awards held on 6 January 2021. She advised that the Stage Awards are the highest profile awards celebrating theatre across the whole of the UK and beyond. This year, the awards had been reimagined to recognise the extraordinary achievements of teams up and down the country in arguably the most challenging year the industry has ever faced.
Winners were chosen for their achievements and impact in response to the coronavirus pandemic. They were selected by the awards’ judging panel following a public nominations process and consultation. The judges said “In 2020, Theatr Clwyd has been more than a theatre: it has been a beacon, one that won the hearts and trust of the many communities it serves”.
Councillor Derek Butler said the accolade was national and international acknowledgement of Theatr Clwyd as Flintshire’s cultural centre which provided multi activities for the community.
Councillor Chris Bithell congratulated the Theatre on achieving the highly esteemed award particularly in the challenging circumstances of the stringent restrictions imposed due to the pandemic. Councillor Bithell reported that since last March the Theatre had become a distribution centre providing help for children and families and had worked with local businesses in distributing food and particularly food parcels to those in need. In addition the Theatre had contributed to giving significant support to freelancers and engaging audiences in activity by setting multi tasks to complete at home. Councillor Bithell concluded by saying the prestigious Award gave optimism for the Theatre’s future and was a credit to Tamara Harvey and Liam Evans-Ford and their team.
Councillor Dave Mackie said he was proud of the outstanding and widespread innovation which moved the Theatre forward under the guidance of Tamara Harvey and Liam Evans-Ford.
Councillor Glyn Banks also expressed his congratulations to Tamara Harvey and Liam Evans Ford and their team and thanked them for their leadership and hard work.
The Chief Executive said the Theatre had been a stalwart for people in need during the pandemic. He commented on the impending transfer of the Theatre from April to a new independent Trust, and said the Theatr was in the latter stages of negotiations with the Welsh Government for capital investment to refurbish and modernise Theatr Clwyd for the future.
Councillor Ron Davies also expressed his thanks to Tamara Harvey and Liam Evans-Ford on the success of the Award which he said was not easily gained.
The Chair invited Tamara Harvey and Liam Evans-Ford to speak.
Tamara Harvey expressed her appreciation at Theatr Clwyd being recognised as the Stage Awards Regional Theatre of the Year .She said in challenging times, Theatr Clwyd had risen to meet that challenge. It was very much a team effort, and she was proud of the team whose efforts had been acknowledged by their industry leaders.
In summary Liam Evans-Ford commented on the Theatre’s connection with the Authority and said the Award was the result of the partnership work undertaken with the Authority and cited collaborative work with Social Services and Education Services as examples. He thanked Members for their kind words and recognition.