Raising the bar, not the curtain, for accessible performances

We've announced the winners of the Euan's Guide Accessible Fringe Award!

Euan’s Guide Founder, Euan MacDonald and BBC journalist Ian Hamilton presented the award and prize of £1,000 to The Solid Life of Sugar Water (Graeae Theatre Company and Theatre Royal Plymouth) and the runner up award was presented to Wendy Hoose (Birds of Paradise and Random Accomplice) who also received a prize of £500. There was a further £500 prize awarded to venue winner Dance Base in recognition of their commitment to provide an accessible experience for all visitors.

Although the judges had different perspectives on access, their decision was unanimous, with Euan MacDonald saying “The scene was set before the judges entered the venue; which in itself was easily accessible. There was a tactile miniature model of the set and accessible formats available. The clever use of captions and audio description brought the performance to life.”

Launched for the first time this year, the Euan’s Guide Accessible Fringe Award encouraged visitors to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to vote for their favourite accessible performance or venue via social media or through the Euan’s Guide website.

Robin Bray-Hurren from Graeae Theatre Company said “It’s really great to have been both nominated and to have won the Euan’s Guide Accessible Fringe Award. Theatre access is something we’re passionate about so being recognised with this award is not just brilliant for us but will also help highlight what can be done.”

Euan MacDonald, Founder of EuansGuide.com, said: “It was fantastic for Euan’s Guide to be able to launch this award at this year’s Fringe. It not only highlights the great work Graeae is doing, but also the work that all other nominees have been carrying out. Promoting accessibility across the country, whether at a festival or a local café is very important to us and we are keen to see as many disabled people and their families as possible having great experiences.”

For more information or to book any of the shows, please visit www.edfringe.com

Locations: Edinburgh

Tags: fringe, awards, festivals