It’s official: Nottingham Playhouse is the Most Welcoming Theatre in the country. The theatre’s staff are popping the champagne corks to celebrate its triumph in the prestigious TMA Management Awards for 2007, presented at an award ceremony in London this afternoon (Thursday 17 May). The accolade comes in recognition of the work of the Box Office and Front of House staff in caring for the public at every point of a trip to the theatre.

The Theatrical Management Association (TMA) hosts its awards annually to recognise the very best in British theatre, opera and dance, and its Management Awards number just five categories. Nottingham Playhouse has emerged Most Welcoming Theatre at the top of a shortlist that included Oxford Playhouse and London’s Unicorn Theatre. Presented at the capital’s Meza restaurant, the title was awarded:

"to Nottingham Playhouse, for consistently improving the level of customer service across every aspect of the theatre visit".

Theatre Manager Rebecca Dallman and Sales & Customer Services Manager Richard Surgay collected the award for the Playhouse. Speaking from the podium, Richard said he was accepting it on behalf of all the team at Nottingham Playhouse and took the opportunity to thank all the staff, describing the venue as "a wonderful place to work".

Also attending were Head of Marketing and Development Sally Anne Tye and Chief Executive Stephanie Sirr, who says:

"I think the award is very well deserved. The team at the Playhouse has worked absolutely tirelessly to improve customer service and everyone is really, really proud of their achievement."

Giles Croft, Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse, adds:

"The success of any theatre depends upon the enthusiasm of the staff and the satisfaction of the audience as much as on the work produced. Nottingham Playhouse succeeds in all three areas."

Laura Dyer, the Executive Director of Arts Council England in the East Midlands, has also endorsed the award: