Paul Kerryson, Artistic Director of Leicester’s Curve theatre will receive The Stage Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre at the 2014 UK Theatre Awards on Sunday 19 October at London’s historic Guildhall.

Paul Kerryson has been Artistic Director of Leicester Theatre Trust since 1991 – first at the Haymarket Theatre and from 2008 at Leicester’s Curve – a theatre he was instrumental in founding. In 2013, it was announced that Kerryson will step down at the end of 2014.

Rachel Tackley, President of UK Theatre, said: “I am delighted that UK Theatre has recognised Paul’s significant contribution to the theatre industry. The impact his work has had over the last 22 years has been felt not only in Leicester but across the whole of the UK. His vision, talent and dedication are an inspiration to theatremakers everywhere.”

Kerryson strongly believes in theatre being at the heart of and reflecting the community whilst also being a platform for nurturing all forms of theatrical talent. Curve currently has an extensive programme of workshops and activities with a thriving Curve Young Company, and the Young Arts Entrepreneurs programme. He also directs an annual Community Production that seeks to develop local talent within the region. Curve Community Productions have included West Side Story, Oliver!, Sweeney Todd, Annie and Rent.

From 2002, Kerryson was very much part of the artistic vision for the capital project that was to result in the creation of Curve. Designed by Rafael Viñoly, Kerryson’s vision for an ‘inside out’ and totally inclusive theatre was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in December 2008.

For Curve, his work includes Hairspray, Chicago, The Beauty Queen Of Leenane, Piaf, Hello, Dolly!, Entertaining Mr Sloane, Buried Child, Gypsy, Absurd Person Singular, The Light In The Piazza, The King And I (also UK tour), 42nd Street, The Pillowman and The Lieutenant Of Inishmore. Curve’s production of Chicago, directed by Kerryson, has also been shortlisted for a UK Theatre Award for Best Musical Production.

The UK Theatre Awards are the only nationwide awards to honour creative excellence and the outstanding achievement seen on and off stage throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Further details about the UK Theatre Awards, including a full list of nominations, can be found at: www.uktheatre.org/awards