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Bruntwood take national theatre accolade

North of England property company Bruntwood, held off tough competition from Scotland, the Midlands, London and the North East to have their long standing support of regional theatre and the arts recognised at the prestigious Theatrical Management Association awards (TMA).

Bruntwood, the only private business nominated, were up against established theatrical organisations such as Eastern Angles, The Northumberland Theatre Company, The Nottingham Playhouse, The Tivoli Theatre Trust and Chickenshed, to win ‘The Stage Award for Special Achievement in Regional Theatre’.

Bruntwood’s chairman, Michael Oglesby, commented, “There were 6 organisations short-listed for this award, 5 of whom are theatrical companies, so to win is a great achievement for us. We’re an unusual candidate for such an award but we’ve supported the arts in our region for many years, always striving to nurture new talent and enable the production of new work”.

Unlike the majority of prizes, which go to performers and productions, The Stage Award for ‘Special Achievement in Regional Theatre’ recognises those who make a key contribution offstage, without whom many performances and initiatives may never get off the ground.

Brian Attwood, editor of ‘The Stage’ said, “Our award aims to put the spotlight on those people and organisations whose key role in regional theatre might otherwise be taken for granted because their contribution occurs offstage. Bruntwood provides an outstanding example of ingenuity in private sponsorship and support for the performing arts. The level and depth of their commitment to this field in the north has been exemplary, particularly over the past 12 months through their support of Manchester International Festival and The Bruntwood Playwriting Competition”.

Bruntwood have a reputation for supporting the arts and encouraging new work. Their Bursary for New Plays at the Royal Exchange has been running for 10 years and in 2005 they launched The Bruntwood Playwriting Competition expanding their relationship with the Royal Exchange. In 2007 they sponsored the inaugural Manchester International Festival.

The TMA Awards are the regional theatres’ version of the Laurence Olivier Awards. Sponsored by The Stage, they celebrate the very best in British theatre, opera and dance, recognising the achievements of the artists and companies based throughout the UK.

ENDS

For more information contact Sally Hill on 0161 233 7845 or sally.hill@bruntwood.co.uk