2024 Shortlisted Nominee
Community Organisation Award: Disability
53two is Manchester's sole wheelchair-accessible independent theatre venue, distinguished as the only UK independent theatre equipped with a Changing Places toilet, one of just four in the city. Committed to inclusivity, 53two believe theatre should be accessible to all. This ethos drives their efforts, ensuring physical accessibility, British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, and disability awareness-trained staff. 53two offers affordable tickets and includes options for the unwaged. Specialising in new writing, 53two serves as a platform for emerging creatives, showcasing innovative work that challenges, informs, and educates. Their mission is to amplify voices that resonate with contemporary issues, sparking dialogue and shifting perspectives. Crucially, 53two actively supports disabled, disadvantaged, and underserved artists and audiences throughout Greater Manchester. As an unfunded entity, they rely on donations, grants, and community support to sustain operations in the heart of Manchester.