Tonic Awards 2017
Celebrating the achievements of women who are changing the face of our theatre industry.
Our first annual Tonic Awards, Celebrating the achievements of women who are changing the face of our theatre industry.
The recipients at the inaugural Tonic Awards in 2017 were: Rosemary Squire DBE, the all-female Shakespeare Trilogy (Donmar Warehouse and beyond), Emma Rice, Anna Newell, Indu Rubasingham MBE, Dawn Walton, Jenny Sealey MBE, Paule Constable and Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour (National Theatre of Scotland and Live Theatre).
2017 Tonic Awards Recipients
Rosemary Squire
For her pioneering career during which she grew her company Ambassadors Theatre Group to be the global leader in live theatre, owning and operating over 40 venues worldwide as well as producing award-winning live theatre.
The Award was presented by producer Sonia Friedman.
Shakespeare Trilogy
The all-female Shakespeare Trilogy (Donmar Warehouse and beyond) for challenging the idea of ‘who owns Shakespeare?’. The award was accepted by director Phyllida Lloyd, cast members Jade Anouka, Jackie Clune and Harriet Walter, and Donmar Warehouse Executive Producer Kate Pakenham on behalf of the company.
It was presented by actress Tanya Moodie.
Emma Rice
For her achievements in her first season as Artistic Director at Shakespeare’s Globe.
The award was presented by playwright and Globe Associate Artist, Tanika Gupta.
Indhu Rubasingham
For her inspirational leadership of the Tricycle Theatre and her directing career.
The award was presented by actor Adrian Lester.
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour
The National Theatre of Scotland and Live Theatre’s production of Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour; a joyful, bombastic and expertly executed adaptation of the novel The Sopranos and performed by an all-female cast.
The award was accepted by the production’s director Vicki Featherstone and playwright Lee Hall on behalf of the company and was presented by Tonic Director Lucy Kerbel.
Dawn Walton
For her leadership of Eclipse’s Revolution Mix programme, which, taking place between 2015 and 2018, was the largest ever national delivery of Black British stories produced and performed in regional theatres to date.
The award was presented by Eclipse Chair, Karena Johnson.
Jenny Sealey
For the achievements of her tenure leading Graeae Theatre and her ceaseless championing of deaf and disabled theatre practitioners.
The award was presented by Graeae patron, Harriet Walter.
Anna Newell
For her dedication to creating outstanding theatrical experiences for babies, children and communities within Northern Ireland and beyond.
The award was presented by playwright and Tonic trustee, Moira Buffini.
Paule Constable
Multi-award winning lighting designer Paule Constable; a trail-blazer in an area of theatre that remains dominated by men.
The award was presented by White Light Managing Director, Bryan Raven.