We’ve been nominated for the Peter Brook…Empty Space award!
We are so delighted to announce that Red Rose Chain has won the Empty Space…Peter Brook Award 2026 (In Memory of Blanche Marvin), as part of the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards.
The award is an incredibly prestigious national award that recognises a theatre or company that embodies the spirit of renowned theatre maker Peter Brook, through its use of space and relationship with its local community.
Red Rose Chain was nominated by journalist Dominic Cavendish and decided by a panel of national theatre critics, in recognition for our recent community and theatre work:
“Red Rose Chain in Ipswich is a not-for-profit powerhouse, which has sadly just lost founder/creative director Joanna Carrick to cancer. Recent highlights include a bravura Hamlet at Sutton Hoo and Carrick’s The Ungodly and the company brilliantly champions inclusion through programmes for people with disabilities, young people and prisoners”
Dominic Cavendish – Chief Theatre Critic. The Telegraph
The other nominees included the Orange Tree Theatre, nominated by Fiona Mountford; ; Royal Court Upstairs, nominated by Andrzej Lukowski; The Other Palace Studio, nominated by Mark Shenton; and Wonder Fools, nominated by Lyn Gardner.
“This is such an honour for the whole team. As we move through the shock of losing Jo and begin the process of developing her extraordinary legacy, this comes at a beautiful moment. This is such a boost to our community work which is continuing to flourish, and our exciting plans for Theatre in the Forest and beyond!”
David Newborn. Executive Producer, Red Rose Chain
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