Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester has started 2026 – its 10th Anniversary Year – in award-winning fashion by winning two major national awards for its work and productions.
In January Hope Mill was named Fringe Theatre of the Year in the prestigious The Stage Awards held at the Royal Opera House and on Sunday its hit musical Young Frankenstein won the Best Studio Production in the What’s On Stage Awards held at the London Palladium.
Now in their 26th year, the Whats On Stage Awards remain the only major UK theatre awards decided by the theatregoers themselves while The Stage Awards are picked by a judging panel of leading Industry figures.
The Stage said that ‘Hope Mill stands as one of the country’s most dynamic producing houses, recognised both nationally and internationally’ while Young Frankenstein – which played at Hope Mill and the Liverpool Playhouse last winter – was described by What’s On Stage as ‘fizzing with electricity and charm’
The double win marks the start of an exciting 2026 for Hope Mill Theatre, which sees the launch of its Hope Mill Theatre Arts degree course as well as the new production of Disney’s High School Musical at Lowry in Salford this August – the first UK non-replica production of the show.
William Whelton, CEO of Hope Mill Theatre said: “What a start to the year it has been for us all at Hope Mill Theatre. To take home The Fringe Theatre of the Year prize at the Stage Awards in January and then to win Best Studio Production for Young Frankenstein at last week’s Whats On Stage Awards, has been truly incredible.
“It is wonderful to see not only our own work being recognised, but for Manchester theatre to be recognised on a national level. It is a wonderful way to begin our official 10th Anniversary year at Hope Mill Theatre, and we are excited about the many upcoming productions and projects, which will continue to strengthen our reputation as one of the UK’s leading arts organisations.”
For more information on Hope Mill Theatre visit www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk