Vote for the Marina as UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award returns!

It’s a chance for audiences to celebrate the Marina Theatre and the dedicated work is continues to provide for local communities.

And as the theatre continues to expand its outreach work, people are being encouraged to pledge their support to find the UK's Most Welcoming Theatre 2017 - in association with Smooth Radio.

This year there are more than 175 venues across the country competing to take home the coveted title – which has returned for a fifth year.

The vote opens at noon on Wednesday, August 9 and closes at noon on Tuesday, September 19. Votes for the Marina Theatre can be cast HERE.

The 12 Regional and National winners of the vote will be announced on Friday, September 29 before the overall winner of the award will be announced at the UK Theatre Awards on Sunday, October 15.

There are many things that shape your experience when you visit our theatre; a friendly chat with our box office staff, enjoying a delicious coffee in the cafe, feeling like you're part of your local community, or being entertained by the panto!

The public vote gives you the chance to celebrate the Marina Theatre and all it does to welcome you.

Julian Bird, chief executive of UK Theatre, said: “Most Welcoming Theatre is a chance for audiences to celebrate their local theatre and for venues to shout about the incredible work they are doing day in day out. Theatres are the backbone of communities across the country and this campaign highlights the vital work they do."

Every voter will also be able to opt-in for the chance to win £200 in Theatre Tokens.

People are also encouraged to use #welcomingtheatre so they can follow the nominations.