The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2019 - Issue 26

bite theatre F ollowing their launch event in March this year at the Century Club in central London, the advent of the inaugural Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs) ceremony and gala night was upon us in October. Co-directors Solange Urdang and Omar F. OKai said in their welcome remarks, “Whilst inspiring the industry, the BBTAs has been created to celebrate and shine a light on the rich and illustrious contribution that black actors and crea- tives on all levels have given and continue to give to British theatre.” “The heroes, mentors, and role models, right here tonight celebrating their achievements are the foundation of a brand new platform for young performers and creative minds to be nurtured and encouraged,” they added. “Through rep- resentation and recognition, the next generation will truly see their path to a career. This is something memorable and essential to initiate change and reinvigorate global theatre culture.” The Black British Theatre Awards was established to raise the profile of the role that black Britons have made to this country’s artistic legacy, and to reflect on the impact that their contribution has and continues to make to the theatre on an international level. The nominations criteria for the inaugural awards ceremony fell within the timeframe of 1st August 2018 to 1st August 2019 and were opened to all art- ists whose work has been staged in a theatre who are mem- bers of the Society of London Theatres (SOLT). The event was held at the exceptional Old Finsbury Town Hall, the late 19th-century Grade II that exudes opulence and glamour with its art nouveau vintage décor. The art deco entrance canopy, sweeping staircase, beautiful stained glass, and the Great Hall adorned with chandeliers and the famous Clerkenwell angels were exemplary. It was in the Great Hall that the prestigious BBTAs awards ceremony took place following the wonderful welcome drinks in the Council Chamber. Inside this beautifully decorative room that virtually took my breath away, rows of large round tables were laid out like a banquet setting with finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes for Afternoon Tea and bottles of delicious wine, still and sparkling water. We were given a choice of tea and coffee by the servers who were always attentive. While we savoured the wonderful food, British television and radio presenter Ore Oduba, who was the host for the evening, took the mic and entertained us throughout. The ceremony was broken down into 23 categories in five groups: Creatives, Recognition, Plays, Musicals, and Achievement. Presenting the awards for the Creatives group was actor, writer, and director, Clint Dyer, whose film, TV and theatre credits include Unknown, Sahara, Black Mirror, Mr. Bean’s Holiday, Holby City, The Bill, The Inspector Lyn- ley Mysteries, The Royale, No More Sitting on the Old School Bench, Big White Fog and so much more. He directed the play The Westbridge at the Royal Court. The nominees for Best Director for a Play or Musical were Lynette Linton for SWEAT at the Gielgud Theatre; Roy Al- exander Weise for Nine Night at the National Theatre; and Nancy Medina for The Half God of Rainfall at the Kiln The- T heatre R eview Black British Theatre Awards Ceremony 2019 The Bite Magazine attended the inaugural Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs) ceremony held at the Old Finsbury Town Hall in Islington, marking a historic event for Black British performers and technical crew in theatre.