Two Royal & Derngate 'Made in Northampton' shows nominated for Olivier awards

Two 'Made in Northampton' shows by Northampton's Royal & Derngate, which transferred to London last year, have been nominated for Olivier Awards.

A 2018 Christmas show, the Worst Witch, which had a six week summer season at the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End, has been nominated for Best Family Show.

While Katori Hall’s Our Lady of Kibeho, which transfered to Theatre Royal Stratford East last autumn, has been nominated for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre.

Katori Hall’s Our Lady of Kibeho had its acclaimed UK debut in Northampton as part of the theatre’s Made in Northampton season in January and February 2018.

The production was directed by Royal & Derngate’s artistic director, James Dacre. He said: “We are absolutely delighted to hear that two of our productions, which started life here in Northampton, have been honoured by nominations in this year’s Olivier Awards.

"I’d like to thank everyone involved – our staff, co-producing partners and the fantastic companies – who made these productions such a success.”

Royal & Derngate chief xecutive Jo Gordon added: “We are absolutely thrilled for the teams here at Royal & Derngate.

"It’s brilliant recognition for all the passion and craft they put into each and every production created under our Made in Northampton banner.”

The nominations for the 2020 Olivier Awards were announced yesterday (March 3) live on Facebook by performers Alexia McIntosh and Gavin Creel, and the awards ceremony will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on April 5.

The Laurence Olivier Awards, known more simply as the Olivier Awards, are presented annually by the Society of London Theatre to recognise excellence in professional theatre in London.