Photo Flash: Whatsonstage Presents The Whatsoffstage Awards

At a ceremony held at The May Fair Hotel, London, WhatsOnStage today announced the winners of the WhatsOffStage Awards - a brand new initiative recognising venues and their staff for the work they do off stage and celebrating their contribution to the industry and theatregoing experience. As with the WhatsOnStage Awards, nominees and winners for the WhatsOffStage Awards were voted for by the public.

This year sees the Hope Mill Theatre leading the pack across the 10 categories with two wins for Best Front of House Team and Favourite Theatre. Hull Truck Theatre received the Best Box Office Award, with Best Stage Door being won by the Prince EdwardTheatre.

The National Theatre won Most Accessible Theatre, and Most Child Friendly went to the Unicorn Theatre, with Best Food and Drink being awarded to The Other Palace. Best Community Theatre was won by the Young Vic, Best Theatre Facilities by the newly refurbished Victoria Palace Theatre, and Best Theatre Website going to Shakespeare's Globe.

WhatsOnStage's Chief Operating Officer Sita McIntosh said today, "Theatre is so much more than what you see on stage - it's also the culmination of so much hard work by dedicated teams behind the scenes who help lay the foundations for audiences wanting to come to the theatre. We're thrilled today with the WhatsOffStage Awards which celebrate those brilliant people, giving them their moment in the spotlight."

Photo Credit: Ben Hewis