Audiences to a Hull City Centre theatre have voted Hull Truck as one of the most welcoming theatres in the country, as they were announced as the Yorkshire and the Humber regional winners. 

Over 200 theatres competed for the coveted title, and Hull Truck Theatre was named one of 12 regional winners of the UK Theatre Awards' Most Welcoming Theatre 2016.  

The overall winner of the award will be announced on 9 October at the prestigious UK Theatre Awards at London’s Guildhall.   

The UK Theatre Awards are the only nationwide awards to honour outstanding achievement in theatre throughout the UK, and the Most Welcoming Theatre Award is an opportunity for audiences to celebrate their local theatre and all they do for their communities. 

This year’s nominations demonstrate the breadth and depth of outstanding talent and achievement in theatre and the performing arts throughout the United Kingdom, on and off stage. 

The UK Theatre Awards are supported by Smooth Radio, UK Theatre Insurance, White Light, Theatre Tokens, John Good and Harbottle & Lewis. 

Hull Truck Theatre have also been nominated for Best New Play at the awards with Tom Wells’ recent play Folk, a co-production with Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre. 

Hull Truck Theatre recently scooped the Arts and Culture prize at the Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards 2015, were joint winners of the Remarkable Visitor Attraction at this year’s Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards, and finalists in the 2016 HullBID Awards’ Service with a Smile category. 

Janthi Mills-Ward, Executive Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said: “We’re extremely proud that the general public have voted for us as the most welcoming theatre in Yorkshire and the Humber. Whether people are visiting our family play area, attending a workshop or coming to see a show, our team work exceptionally hard to make sure we’re a welcoming hub for everyone.”  

Julian Bird, Chief Executive of UK Theatre, added: “Theatres play a vital role in communities across the UK, so it has been wonderful to see so many votes cast. This campaign brings together audiences, theatres, performers and producers and gives everyone the opportunity to celebrate their local venue.”