Theatr Clwyd in Mold wins two UK Theatre Awards in its 50th year

Theatr Clwyd has had a golden anniversary year, and it ended in style in London. The Mold theatre won two UK Theatre Awards, Most Welcoming Theatre and Excellence in Touring, against tough competition from across the country.

For the Most Welcoming Theatre award, Theatr Clwyd beat finalists from Nottingham and Bury St Edmunds. The judges visited the newly refurbished building, met the teams who welcome audiences every day and considered everything from accessibility to outreach and the theatre's relationship with its community.

"The Clwyd welcome is something that's deeply important to every member of our company, it's a warm, supportive culture built to serve our audiences and community," said chief executive Liam Evans-Ford. "To be recognised nationally means a great deal to everyone."

The Excellence in Touring award went to Under Milk Wood, directed by artistic director Kate Wasserberg, which beat major productions from Leeds and East Anglia. The company took Dylan Thomas's best-loved work across Wales and performed to nearly 16,000 people. The production put accessibility at its heart, with Deaf and Disabled artists shaping the work and access practices built in throughout.

"We wanted to take a Welsh classic to Welsh audiences and show that when Deaf and Disabled artists shape a show the work becomes richer and more alive," Kate said. "This recognition is a real honour."

The awards cap a celebratory year. In September the theatre marked five decades with Made Right Here: Theatr Clwyd at 50, a one-night fundraising show starring Alex Hassell, Sian Gibson, Rakie Ayola and Kimberly Hart-Simpson alongside favourites including Catrin Aaron, Christian Patterson and Dewi Wykes, with every penny from tickets going towards the theatre's work on and off the stage.

"We celebrate our past and look ahead to the future," Kate said at the time, adding that the funds raised would play a vital role in the theatre's next 50 years. The refurbished building also houses restaurant Bryn Williams at Theatr Clwyd, which created a 1970s-inspired afternoon tea for the anniversary night.

To see what is on and book tickets, visit theatrclwyd.com or call the box office on 01352 344101.