Theatr Clwyd's World Première THE ASSASSINATION OF KATIE HOPKINS Wins Best Musical At UK Theatre Awards

At a ceremony today at London's Guildhall, Theatr Clwyd's ground-breaking production of The Assassination of Katie Hopkins was named Best Musical Production at today's UK Theatre Awards, which celebrated outstanding achievements in regional theatre throughout the UK over the past year. Hosted by Tyrone Huntley, the Awards showcase the wealth of theatrical talent across the UK.

The Assassination of Katie Hopkins was awarded Best Musical Production, with strong competition from other nominees Miss Littlewood from the RSC, Pieces of String produced by The Mercury Theatre Colchester and TBO Productions, and the Bolton Octagon's Summer Holiday.

Theatr Clwyd's world première production of The Assassination of Katie Hopkins, an original new musical about truth, celebrity and public outrage, opened to critical acclaim when it played at Theatr Clwyd this Spring. Written by Chris Bush with music by Matt Winkworth, and directed by James Grieve, the show featured musical supervision from David White and musical direction by Jordan Li, both originally from Wrexham, and is an exploration of the frenetic aftermath of a shocking crime that divides the nation. The company comprised actors from across the UK, and saw Welsh actress Bethzienna Williams make her professional début in one of the leading roles.

Tamara Harvey, Theatr Clwyd's Artistic Director and Executive Director Liam Evans-Ford said today, "We're thrilled to see The Assassination of Katie Hopkins win Best Musical Production at this year's UK Theatre Awards. It's testament to the wonderful creative talents of writer Chris Bush and composer Matt Winkworth, as well as to our skilled team at Theatr Clwyd - set building, painting, prop-making and wardrobe - a rarity to have in-house as a regional producer. The production's boldness in daring to ask the big questions of our society, and resounding endorsement of the British musical genre as the platform upon which to do it, captured the imagination of audiences and media alike. This also marks the culmination of an extraordinary year for our company, and we're enormously proud of recognition from our industry for world-class theatre made here in North East Wales."

Theatr Clwyd, one of the foremost producing theatres in Wales, was nominated for two further awards - Best New Play for Home I'm Darling, a co-production with National Theatre and the Renee Stepham Award for Best Presentation of Touring Theatre for A Streetcar Named Desire, its co-production with Nuffield Southampton Theatres and English Touring Theatre.

THEATR CLWYD

Theatr Clwyd is the largest producing theatre in Wales - a beacon of excellence looking across the Clwydian Hills yet only forty minutes from Liverpool. Since 1976 it has been a theatrical powerhouse and much-loved home for its community. Now, led by the Executive team of Tamara Harvey and Liam Evans-Ford, it is going from strength to strength producing world class theatre, from new plays to classic revivals, supported by an in-house team of workshop, wardrobe, scenic artists, props maker, and lighting and sound technicians. There are three theatre spaces, a cinema, café, bar and art galleries and, alongside its own shows, it offers a rich and varied programme of visual arts, film, theatre, music, dance and comedy.

Theatr Clwyd works extensively with the community within its building and across North Wales. Alongside weekly companies of cross-generational theatre groups, it has also been recognised for its work in youth justice, its varied programme of arts, health and wellbeing, and for its growing raft of projects integrating its community in making the work on its stages and beyond.

To post a comment, you must register and login.