14/03/2011

The theatre's production of E Nesbit's much loved children's book was nominated for two Olivier's, Best Entertainment and Best Sound Design. They beat off stiff competition from Beauty and the Beast at the National Theatre, Ghost Stories at the Duke of York's theatre and Potted Panto at the Vandeville theatre to take home the much coveted title of Best Entertainment for its run at Waterloo Station, London.

Mike Kenny's adaptation of The Railway Children was first produced by York Theatre Royal at the National Railway Museum (NRM), York, where it enjoyed two sell-out and critically acclaimed seasons in 2008 and 2009. It then transferred to a newly built theatre at the old Eurostar terminal at Waterloo in conjunction with Welcome to Yorkshire and the NRM in 2010. The original run was extended due to public demand and it was announced this month that the production will be returning to Waterloo this summer from the 18 June. The Railway Children also makes its first international transfer to Canada this May, where it will be performed in a purpose built 1000 seat theatre at Toronto's Railway Heritage Museum across from the famous CN Tower.

This recognition is a huge step towards celebrating the work that Britain's regional theatres are producing. York Theatre Royal have created a show that has gone on to sell out in the capital, transferred across the Atlantic and now won one of the most prestigious awards in British theatre. Chief Executive of York Theatre Royal commented, "I can't think of a better award to acknowledge the all round entertainment that The Railway Children gave its audience. This is a great day for York Theatre Royal and is a testament to the talent and determination of the theatre and its partner, the National Railway Museum. We are only part way through the story of this show as we hope to be able to be celebrating productions around the world in the coming years. York should be very proud of this world class export."

York Theatre Royal are proud to accept this award and see this as the beginning of a very exciting journey for the theatre as its reputation grows throughout the world and they embark on one of their most ambitious seasons to date. 2011 sees the theatre transform their main stage into the round from May to November where they will present a season of eight productions with an ensemble cast. The Railway Children will also open in two cities, London and Toronto and their production of To Kill A Mockingbird continues its national UK tour in conjunction with The Touring Consortium.

ENDS

Editors Notes:

To arrange interviews, photo's or press tickets please contact Rebecca Storey on the information below:

Rebecca Storey

Press and Media Manager

Direct line: 01904 550149

Rebecca.storey@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

For a full list of the In The Round Ensemble Season please visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or contact Rebecca on the details below for a full press release.