Winners Of The Second Annual Tonic Awards Announced Recognising Women Across The Theatre Industry

Recipients of the second annual Tonic Awards were announced tonight at an awards ceremony held at the May Fair Theatre hosted by Dame Jenni Murray. The awards celebrate the achievements of game-changing women in theatre and the performing arts, and significant organisations, projects and productions that redefine the role of women in the performing arts, both on and off stage. The recipients honoured in this evenings event were: Emma de Souza, Clean Break theatre company, Walking the Feminists, The Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester, Steffi Holtz and Gina Abolins, Kully Thiarai, Lyn Gardner, Caryl Churchill and Katie Mitchell.

Lucy Kerbel, Director of Tonic Theatre, said: 'I'm delighted that we've been joined by colleagues from across the theatre industry tonight to celebrate the work of inspirational women who are changing our industry. It's a great opportunity to bring people together, creating new partnerships and sharing ideas. This last year has shown that a shared voice can make profound change, and the atmosphere of community here tonight reflects that.'

Sita McIntosh, Chair of Tonic's Board of Trustees, said: "Tonight has been about celebrating the success stories, and this brilliant group of women have achieved extraordinary things, leading the way for a new generation. The Tonic Awards is an inspiring and unique event, and we're thrilled with the support its had from across the industry. It shows a desire to platform the success stories and come together to drive for further change and greater representation of women across the theatre industry."

This year's recipients were:

Emma de Souza, for her tireless commitment to bringing new audiences into London's West End through Kids Week, which offers families the opportunity to experience theatre together at an affordable price.

The award was presented to Emma by Caro Newling, Vice President of the Society of London Theatres.

Clean Break theatre company, for forty years of work on the theme of women and the criminal justice system, giving opportunities to generation after generation of female creatives, and giving voice to women whose experiences are all too often silenced by society.

The award was presented to Chief Executive Lucy Perman MBE and other representatives of Clean Break theatre company by Jennifer Joseph, an actor and Clean Break theatre company member.

Waking the Feminists, for a brave and creative campaign to effect positive change in regard to representation of women in Irish theatre. The campaign was ultimately successful in its clear demands, and has gone on to effect wider change across the theatre industry in Ireland and beyond.

The award was presented to Lian Bell on behalf of Waking the Feminists by playwright Ursula Rani Sarma.

The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, for the consistency with which the theatre has programmed and foregrounded work about women, and within that, the diversity of women's experiences. It has acted as a beacon of enlightened, exciting and nuanced programming.

The award was presented to Sarah Frankcom, Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange Theatre, by actress Maxine Peake, whose recent credits at the Royal Exchange include A Streetcar Named Desire, The Striker and Hamlet, and who will shortly appear in Beckett's Happy Days at the venue.

Steffi Holtz and Gina Abolins, for their brave decision to speak up about inappropriate behaviour in their workplace, in spite of potential personal and professional repercussions, giving voice to the often unseen and unheard experiences of those working behind the scenes and in less high profile positions.

The award was presented to Steffi and Gina by Vicki Featherstone, Artistic Director at The Royal Court Theatre.

Kully Thiarai, for her achievements and ethos as an artistic director. In particular, her dedication and energy to creating theatre and artistic experiences for the communities around which the organisation she has led are based.

The award was presented to Kully by theatre director and Soho Theatre Associate Charlotte Bennett.

Journalist Lyn Gardner, for her dedication to showcasing new voices and productions as a theatre critic and her thoughtful contributions to debate within the theatre industry as a journalist.

The award was presented to Lyn by Kwame Kwei-Armah, Artistic Director of the Young Vic.

Caryl Churchill, for an extraordinary career, in particular her consistent daring to defy form, leading the way for a new generation of female playwrights, breaking down walls within the theatre industry.

The award was presented by playwright and screenwriter Moira Buffini.

Director Katie Mitchell, for her game-changing artistic work, proactive support of younger female theatre artists, and dedication to foregrounding feminism on stage.

The award was presented to Katie by Lucy Kerbel, Director of Tonic Theatre.

Attending the ceremony tonight were senior figures from across the UK theatre industry including Gemma Arterton, Haydn Gwynn, Tracy Ann Oberman, Dame Rosemary Squire and Timberlake Wertenbaker. The Tonic Awards will return in March 2019 with another cohort of recipients.

The Tonic Awards were made possible by the generosity of our headline sponsor White Light Ltd, and the following sponsors: Boom Ents, Dewynters, JHI Marketing, Kate Morley PR, The May Fair Hotel, Nick Hern Books and WhatsOnStage.

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