Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre will be named the most welcoming theatre in the South West at the UK Theatre Awards. The venue will also compete for the overall title of ‘UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre’.
The awards, administered by industry body UK Theatre and run in association with Smooth Radio take place annually. The category of ‘Most Welcoming Theatre’ is decided by public vote, offering customers the chance to celebrate and support their local theatres.
12 regional award-winners were announced on Tuesday 26 September and the crowning of the overall UK winner will take place at the UK Theatre Awards ceremony at London’s Guildhall on Sunday 15 October.
The Wyvern, which is operated by HQ Theatres on behalf of Swindon Borough Council, won the award, despite competition from a large number of other venues across the South West, including last year’s winner Salisbury Playhouse.
A dedicated pool of staff and volunteers are behind the success for The Wyvern and the same team also run the Swindon Arts Centre – priding themselves on providing a welcoming and inclusive environment, as well as excellent customer service.
Customer feedback is consistently high for the theatre across platforms including Trip Advisor and the venue is consistently rated ‘excellent’ in HQ Theatres’ mystery shopper surveys. Community initiatives run at the theatre such as their Memory Café, Summer Youth Project, Family Fun Days and local charity partnerships also provide opportunities for local people to get involved and be welcomed into the venue.
Director of Swindon Theatres, Derek Aldridge said:
‘We are thrilled and extremely proud to have won the award for the South West’s Most Welcoming Theatre. The whole team here work so hard to ensure that our theatres are at the heart of our communities and our customers feel welcome and have a positive and enjoyable experience when they visit, so to have that recognised is fantastic. We’re very grateful to everyone who took the time to vote and hope to welcome them all back to the Wyvern soon!’
