A South East Northumberland theatre has been honoured with one of the most prestigious awards that can be presented to a community organisation.
Organisers at The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth have been left speechless after a letter was recently delivered to the venue from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to say that the theatre – currently celebrating its 50th anniversary year – has been awarded with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
For those five-decades, The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth has been recognised as a much loved champion of the arts that has been the springboard for talented performers from across Northumberland.
The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth is supported by Northumberland County Council.
David Garrett – Executive Director of The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth said: “To say that this is a great honour is an understatement, as for us to be awarded with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is as special as it gets.
“We would like to dedicate this award to all of the wonderful volunteers who have given their free time down the years that has
helped to craft The Phoenix into the great community cultural cornerstone that it is today.
“The Award will sit pride of place and become a symbolic reference point to inspire future generations as we healthily look towards the next fifty years.”
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest privilege given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their communities. The award was created thirteen years ago to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.
The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth has received many plaudits for the way it provides a priceless outlet for talented actors and actresses through its ‘Young Phoenix theatre company’. The scheme has been in operation since the 1970s; and has seen thousands of performers, aged 8-18 years old, being given their first ever taste of the stage. The youth theatre company has staged such productions as ‘Cats’, ‘Jason and the amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’, ‘Grease’, ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘The King and I’, ‘Half a Sixpence’ and ‘Billy Liar’.
The Theatre Company continues to produce and deliver opportunities for people to experience the wonders of the stage; at the same time as providing audiences with touring shows and performers who light up the venue with their amazing talent.
To learn more about how you can get involved with The Phoenix Theatre, Blyth please visit www.thephoenixtheatre.org.uk, call our box office on (01670) 367 228 or interact with our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.
This is the same way people can see what’s still to come during our 50th anniversary year. In particular, The Phoenix is staging Willy Russell’s hilarious “Shirley Valentine” from July 2nd until 4th starring The Phoenix Theatre Company’s very own, Alison Thoburn.
Come along and be part of something special!