Royal & Derngate’s Made in Northampton production The Worst Witch wins prestigious Olivier Award
At yesterday’s rescheduled 2020 Olivier Awards ceremony, Royal & Derngate’s Made in Northampton co-production The Worst Witch scooped the award for Best Family Show. This milestone is the first time that the Northampton venue has won an Olivier award.
Having first delighted audiences in Northampton as Royal & Derngate’s 2018 Christmas Show The Worst Witch then toured the UK before enjoying a six week summer season at the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End in 2019. Adapted by Emma Reeves from Jill Murphy’s much-loved books and directed by Theresa Heskins, the show was a Made in Northampton co-production with Kenny Wax Family Entertainment, Novel and Nica Burns.
The winners of this year’s Olivier Awards 2020 with Mastercard were announced in a special programme hosted by Jason Manford and broadcast on ITV and Magic Radio.
Royal & Derngate Artistic Director James Dacre said: “We are absolutely delighted that this enchanting Made in Northampton production has been honoured with an Olivier Award. Its success is a testament to all the hard work, passion and creativity that went into the creation, support and promotion of the show. It is so fitting that this award is in the category of Best Family Show, given how central work for families, children and young people is to all that we do.”
I’d like to thank everyone involved – our staff, co-producing partners, creative team and the fantastic company – who made The Worst Witch such a success.”
Royal & Derngate Chief Executive Jo Gordon added: “We are so proud of our teams here at Royal & Derngate and the part they played in creating this wonderful show. In these difficult times, to have this recognition of our work is a much-needed boost for everyone here.”
Royal & Derngate’s production of Katori Hall’s Our Lady of Kibeho, which had its acclaimed UK debut in Northampton as part of the theatre’s Made in Northampton season in January and February 2018, was also nominated in the category for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre for its transfer to the Theatre Royal Stratford East last Autumn.
Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre, and are Britain’s most prestigious stage honours.
Royal & Derngate’s Made in Northampton season is sponsored locally by Michael Jones Jeweller.