Royal & Derngate Crowned UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre at 2025 UK Theatre Awards

Royal & Derngate’s Chief Executive Jo Gordon (left) and Artistic Director Jesse Jones (centre) celebrate their UK Theatre Award win

When Northampton’s Royal & Derngate heard its name called at the UK Theatre Awards this weekend, there was no mistaking the pride in the room — and rightly so. The venue has officially been named the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre, a title that says as much about the people behind it as it does about the place itself.

For more than 30 years, the UK Theatre Awards have celebrated the best in live performance across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — but this particular accolade hits differently. It’s about warmth. About inclusion. About the kind of care that makes you feel part of something the moment you walk through the doors.

This year, Royal & Derngate found itself up against strong competition from Birmingham Rep and Shakespeare North Playhouse in Liverpool. Each finalist was judged not only on accessibility and inclusion but also on their programming, outreach, workforce and audience development. And yes — the judges didn’t just read reports. They turned up. They met staff, chatted with audiences, toured the building, grabbed a coffee in the foyer and got a feel for the heartbeat of each venue before deciding on the winner.

That genuine welcome, it seems, made all the difference.

Chief Executive Jo Gordon couldn’t hide her delight: “It’s wonderful to see the hard work, professionalism and enthusiasm of our teams and volunteers acknowledged in this way. We’re absolutely delighted to have been named the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre. Our teams have shown such resilience over recent years when we’ve experienced the challenges of RAAC concrete in our foyers, managing to work with restricted facilities while still maintaining a welcoming and safe environment for audiences, and in particular for our access customers.”

And that community-first attitude shines through every corner of the venue. Artistic Director Jesse Jones added: “We’ve been able to explore many new uses of our foyer spaces since fully reopening, welcoming the community in for art exhibitions, vintage clothes sales and video gaming experiences. We continue to support emerging and established artists in the region and run a thriving community programme for young people and adults. We have to thank all our audiences and supporters, without whom none of this would be possible.”

From theatre lovers to first-time visitors, there’s something about Royal & Derngate that makes people feel at home. Perhaps it’s the creative buzz. Perhaps it’s the coffee (which, let’s be honest, helps). Or perhaps it’s simply that everyone’s welcome — exactly as they are.

The award was presented at London’s 8 Northumberland Avenue on Sunday 12 October, as part of the annual UK Theatre Awards, supported by headline sponsor Encore. Alongside the Most Welcoming Theatre honour, the event also celebrated on- and off-stage excellence across the industry, including the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre accolade.

For Royal & Derngate, though, this one’s personal. It’s proof that kindness, creativity and connection still take centre stage.

If you haven’t visited Royal & Derngate recently, now’s your sign. Go for a show, grab a cuppa, soak up the atmosphere — and see for yourself what makes it the UK’s most welcoming theatre.