2026 Shortlisted Nominee
Community Organisation Award: Disability
Northern Stars Theatre Group is an inclusive performing arts organisation founded in 2019, empowering adults with learning difficulties and disabilities through high‑quality, person‑centred creative practice. Operating five days a week from its community base in Thornaby on Tees, the group supports 35 members to develop skills across acting, singing, dance, choreography, scriptwriting, set design, filmmaking, sound, lighting and more. Led by a professional team with over 50 years’ combined experience, Northern Stars stages multiple productions each year in theatres and community venues. Its work fosters confidence, wellbeing, social connection and meaningful cultural participation, with members describing the group as an extension of their family.