Cast theatre in Doncaster has reached the final of Theatres Trust’s Great British Theatres Awards, securing a place in the Great Community Connection category. These awards, launched to mark the Trust’s 50th anniversary, celebrate theatres across the UK that make significant contributions to cultural life.
In Doncaster, where 42% of residents live in areas of high deprivation, Cast has prioritised community connection by offering welcoming, inclusive spaces and transformative programmes. The theatre works closely with local partners to ensure accessibility and engagement for all.
James Blakey, Director at Cast, said: "I can think of no greater honour than to be recognised for the work we do in partnership with Doncaster’s communities. Doncaster is a place where community really matters, where people understand that supporting each other makes us all more resilient. At Cast, we are proud to be part of that story, creating opportunities for people of all ages, all bodies and all cultural backgrounds to get involved in creative activities, tell their own stories, and create change. Being shortlisted is testament to the dedication of our staff team, the visionary leadership of our community partner organisations, and to the openness and courage of all those people who take part."
Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust, commented: "From school meals and free tickets to BSL cafés and dementia programmes, the Great Community Connection finalists show the wide-ranging ways that theatres can become places of connection and belonging for their community. Theatres Trust knew there was a need to celebrate theatres, but our judges had an incredibly hard time selecting the finalists. I want to extend my congratulations to every one of them. We can’t wait to celebrate our Great British Theatres in style this November."
Each year, Cast delivers over 700 creative sessions aimed at breaking down social, economic, and cultural barriers. Notable initiatives include the Doncaster People’s Theatre, an intergenerational group for residents aged 7 to 87 guided by a community board, and Citizens of the World, a trauma-informed music group supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Through its Cast Communities network and local Community Ambassadors embedded across Doncaster’s neighbourhoods, the theatre continues to create accessible pathways into performance, storytelling, and creative participation for all.
