BLACKPOOL GRAND THEATRE WINS NATIONAL UK THEATRE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN WORKFORCE CULTURE

Blackpool Grand Theatre is celebrating a major national accolade after winning the Excellence in Workforce Culture Award at the 2026 UK Theatre Awards, held in London on Monday 12 October.

The award recognises the theatre’s commitment to fostering a positive, supportive working environment and celebrates the teams whose dedication and expertise make its work possible, on stage and behind the scenes.

The Grand was shortlisted alongside Swindon Theatres and Wales Millennium Centre, taking home the award at a ceremony celebrating achievement across the UK theatre industry.

For Blackpool’s historic Frank Matcham-designed theatre, the recognition is an opportunity to celebrate the staff and collaborators whose work underpins its performances, creative learning, participation and community activity.

The award places Blackpool Grand Theatre among the UK's leading theatre organisations recognised for their approach to workplace culture, celebrating the importance of the people and teams who sustain the industry beyond the performances audiences see on stage.

As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, The Grand combines an ambitious programme of visiting productions, co-productions and community engagement with a commitment to inclusive and responsible working practices. The theatre is a Disability Confident Committed employer and a partner in Ramps on the Moon, an initiative championing greater representation and opportunities for Deaf and disabled people within theatre.

The recognition adds to a growing list of national accolades for The Grand, including the 2023 UK Theatre Award for Excellence in Arts Education, reflecting the theatre's longstanding investment in young people, creative learning and its local community.

Adam Knight, Chief Executive of Blackpool Grand Theatre, said, "We are immensely proud to receive the UK Theatre Award for Excellence in Workforce Culture. Blackpool Grand is a theatre that inspires a lifelong love of theatre, and we are equally committed to the lifelong learning and development of everyone who works and participates here. From a care-experienced young person taking their first paid front-of-house role, to a Youth Tech member operating a follow-spot for pantomime, to colleagues and volunteers who have devoted decades to The Grand, we welcome people of every background and experience and give them the opportunity to shine. This award belongs to our whole team - from those who make the building shine from 7am to those loading out shows at 3am in the wind and rain, and everyone in between - as well as our Trustees, Friends, freelance partners and supporters. We receive it with particular pride in memory of John Grady, Chair of our Friends, whose remarkable 45 years of voluntary service embodied the very best of The Grand. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who makes Blackpool Grand such a terrific place to work, participate and bring world-class theatre experiences to life, and to UK Theatre for this deeply meaningful recognition.”

The award recognises a people-centred approach that runs throughout Blackpool Grand Theatre, creating opportunities for staff, volunteers and emerging talent to flourish. Practical initiatives include values-led recruitment and induction; employee-led EDI, Health and Safety and Environmental groups, which have delivered changes including a new Menopause Policy and more inclusive uniform fabrics; and supported routes into work and volunteering through Access to Work and WorkFit. Grand Young Technicians, led by Technical Stage Manager David Renwick and his team, has introduced more than 40 young people to backstage careers, with participants progressing into their first paid theatre roles and opportunities through the RSC’s Next Generation Technical partnership. Alongside apprenticeships, leadership development and progression routes into training and employment, The Grand is proud to be a Real Living Wage employer, a particularly important commitment in a town experiencing significant socio-economic challenges.

Looking to the future, The Grand wants its historic home to reflect the inclusive culture created by the people within it. The physical constraints of its much-loved Victorian theatre still create barriers for disabled artists, audiences and colleagues, and the theatre is approaching those challenges with the same ambition, collaboration and can-do spirit recognised by this award. Through consultation with colleagues, audiences, partners and the wider community, The Grand is working to shape and secure investment in a more accessible future, removing physical barriers while protecting the beauty and heritage of one of the country’s most important historic theatres for generations to come.