BRADFORD'S Alhambra theatre is in the running to become the UK's Most Welcoming Theatre.

Last year the Alhambra Theatre won the title of Most Welcoming Theatre Yorkshire and The

Humber. Now the theatre is aiming to retain the title and go on to become a national winner.

More than 160 venues are competing and there will be 12 regional winners, with the overall winner announced at the UK Theatre Awards in London on Sunday,

October 14.

Adam Renton, general manager of Bradford Theatres, said: “We constantly strive to exceed our audience’s expectations, not only with the shows we offer, but also the customer experience in the venue itself. In the past 12 months we have totally refurbished the foyer, ensuring it’s completely accessible for all, and after listening to customer feedback, we made space for additional female toilets to help reduce queuing times on show nights.

"Seating in the dress circle has been re-upholstered; the safety bars in the upper circle have been lowered, reducing viewing restrictions from certain seats on the front few rows, and the stage has been fully replaced to continue to accommodate sizeable and intricate sets from the large-scale touring companies that we attract.

"The only way to win this national award is by our loyal customers voting for us. It would be a great boost for all our hard work to be recognised. “

The winners of this year’s award will be decided by a public vote. Votes can be cast at uktheatre.org/vote and voting closes at 12noon on Tuesday, September 18.