Swindon Theatres has been shortlisted for a UK Theatre Award recognising its approach to workplace culture.
The team behind the Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Arts Centre has been nominated for the Excellence in Workforce Culture Award at the UK Theatre Awards 2026.
The awards, organised by industry body UK Theatre and sponsored by Encore, recognise achievements across the theatre industry in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Swindon Theatres, which is operated by Trafalgar Theatres, has been recognised for its work to create what organisers describe as a supportive and inclusive workplace for staff and volunteers.
The nomination highlights the way the teams at the two Swindon venues work together, with a shared focus on creating welcoming spaces for audiences and maintaining the theatres’ role within the local community.
Laura James, Director of Swindon Theatres, said she was proud of the nomination.
“The excellence in workforce culture category recognises the dedication and hard work of our team and our central objective, which has been to create a sustainable, inclusive and supportive workplace culture in which people can develop professionally while feeling valued and supported as individuals and build long-term careers in theatre,” she said.
James said staff wellbeing and development were central to the organisation’s approach, with the aim of giving people opportunities to build careers within the theatre industry.
“Our ultimate measure of success is that we have a workforce that is skilled, confident, supported and able to thrive,” she said.
“We want people to join Swindon Theatres, develop here, progress here and take those skills and experiences with them throughout their careers.”
The Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Arts Centre also run a range of community projects alongside their programme of performances and events.
These include the Memory Café, Summer Youth Project, Open Mic Nights, Play-In-A-Week Project and Family Fun Days, as well as partnerships with local charities, festivals and other community organisations.
The venues say the initiatives are designed to encourage people from across Swindon to engage with the theatres and make them part of the wider community.
The UK Theatre Awards have been running for more than 30 years, celebrating achievements both on and off stage.
The winners of this year’s awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on Monday 12 October, hosted by La Voix.
