The Stage Awards recently introduced a brand new honour: 'The Judges' Award', reserved for theatres that have achieved significant milestones or made exceptional contributions to the arts and theatre. And guess what? Chickenshed has been chosen as the first recipient of this award!
We were also very lucky to have our wonderful Space Between Us Programme shortlisted for the hugely prestigious Community Project of the Year Award by The Stage.
50 Years of Excellence
A moment of wonder as the judges celebrated ‘50 Years of Excellence’ at Chickenshed. 50 years of shaking things up and creating wonder from chaos. 50 years of being a place for absolutely everyone.
This is a momentous occasion for us, a recognition of five decades of dedication to inclusive performance and community engagement. We couldn't be prouder of this achievement and it's all thanks to every one of you who has been a part of our journey. This award showcases just how many lives we transform and transform us.
We’re over the moon with this incredible recognition. THANK YOU for shaking up our world with joy.
Words of Wonder
"We have never given out a judges award before. Over the years, we have often spoken of recognising the theatre company we are about to celebrate, but have always found that our award categories didn't quite do them justice. Were they a theatre, a fringe theatre, an innovator, a school, were they innovative, a community project or unsung hero of the industry?
"Well, the truth is that they are all of these things and much more, so we decided to create a new award this year to allow us to celebrate them fully."
"- this organisation has grown hugely. Today, it still focuses on its mission to provide ground-breaking theatrical opportunities for children, young people and adults from every walk of life, all financial and educational backgrounds, every ethnicity and all abilities."
See the Wonder
All photos taken by Stage Awards 2024.
"As it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024, I am delighted to present our first ever judges award to Chickenshed."
A Momentous Occasion
"Chickenshed - so called because it started life in a disused chicken shed in Barnet - has, over half a century, grown into one of UK theatre's most important arts organisations while never losing its core commitment to diversity and inclusivity. It is an extraordinary and inspiring theatre company and a model of how theatre can work both with and for its community."
Celebrating Community
We are delighted that Chickenshed's remarkable initiative The Lost Records was shortlisted for Community Project of the Year at The Stage Awards.
This nomination is a testament to the dedication and impact of the Space Between Us Programme, led by the incredible Rachel Yates.
The Lost Records Project: Connecting Lives Through Music.Delivered through the Space Between Us Programme, 'The Lost Records' engaged with over 500 individuals across London, exploring the profound significance of music in our lives.
This transformative project, running since 2017, is a shining example of Chickenshed's commitment to creating community connections and changing lives for the better through theatre.
Golden Smiles
"It is an organisation that has always understood that difference is a positive thing and that the only way to be truly inclusive is to welcome all. After all, real communities are made up of many kinds of people with many kinds of needs. Why shouldn’t theatre do that, too?"
50 Years of Chickenshed
We are celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2024.
