Doncaster's Cast celebrates double win at prestigious northern awards

Doncaster theatre Cast is celebrating a double win at the SME Northern Enterprise Awards 2026, recognising its work as a community-focused cultural organisation and its commitment to making theatre and creativity accessible to everyone.

It won Best Community-Focused Cultural Organisation 2026 - South Yorkshire and the Inclusive Theatre & Cultural Engagement Excellence Award 2026 for South Yorkshire.

The awards recognise the Doncaster theatre’s distinctive approach to combining high-quality artistic programming with meaningful community engagement.

Since opening in 2013, Cast has become an important part of the city’s cultural life, welcoming more than 120,000 visitors each year and engaging almost 14,000 people through more than 700 creative participation sessions.

James Blakey, Director at Cast, said: “We’re delighted to receive these awards because they recognise so much of the work that happens beyond the performances on our stages.”

“At Cast, we believe that when we tap into our creative impulses and make things together, we can achieve things that could never have imagined on our own.

“Through our extensive community programmes people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences come together to make ambitious work alongside professional artists.”

“We are proud to provide a place where people can belong, connect with others and find new and creative ways to share something about their experience of the world.

“The friendship, skills and agency that people develop makes a real difference in their lives and their communities. We see examples of this every day.

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“These awards are a lovely recognition of what we can achieve together, and a tribute to the people of Doncaster, our artists, staff, community partners and everyone who helps make this work possible.”

Through programmes including Doncaster People’s Theatre, Citizens of the World, Cast Youth Theatre and its Theatre of Sanctuary work, Cast creates opportunities for people to develop their creativity, build confidence and form lasting connections.

Doncaster People’s Theatre brings together participants aged seven to 87, while Citizens of the World provides a free weekly music programme for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Alongside its community work, Cast continues to bring ambitious theatre and live performance to Doncaster, support artists and creative talent, and attract audiences into the city.

The awards provide further recognition of Cast’s role as a cultural organisation with a lasting impact beyond the stage.

More information about Cast’s programme, participation opportunities and community work can be found at www.castindoncaster.com.