RSC And Baxter Theatre Centre Receive New Theatre Award For THE TEMPEST

At a ceremony held at King's Place in London on Tuesday 17 November, Sir Antony Sher received the first Ability Media International (AMI) theatre award on behalf of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Baxter Theatre Centre for their production of The Tempest.

The award was presented to Sir Antony Sher, who played Prospero in the production, by actor Paul Rhys.

"The Tempest was chosen for the first AMI Awards Theatre Award, for its thrilling, totally inclusive and strikingly relevant interpretation of Shakespeare's last and deeply resonant play. We also wished to recognise the RSC's groundbreaking Complete Works Festival, the creatively successful partnership achieved with the Baxter Theatre Centre, and the outstanding performances of John Kani and Sir Antony Sher," said Wayne A. Drew, Chairman Ability Media.

The awards ceremony was organised by the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability and was presented by Moira Stuart OBE at King's Place, London.

Developed in conjunction with leading figures in the media industries, the AMIs seek to identify outstanding creative projects that encourage a more inclusive world for disabled and marginalised groups of people.

Winners were chosen for creative excellence in producing work that positively represents, involves or assists people facing major physical, mental, emotional or social challenges.

Wayne Drew, Chairman of the AMIs and Creative Board of Ability Media, said: "These awards have been designed to identify outstanding achievements which help promote a better, more tolerant and inclusive world."