Bolton's Octagon Theatre and Liverpool's Royal Court have been shortlisted in the Theatre of the Year category at this year’s The Stage Awards. .
Other nominees in this category include London's Bush Theatre, London; the Curve, Leicester; the Harold Pinter Theatre, London, and the Lyric Theatre, Belfast.
The winner will be announced on January 30 at a ceremony at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London.
Octagon chief executive Roddy Gauld and artistic director Lotte Wakeham said: “We are over the moon that the Octagon has been shortlisted for this award. It’s a huge honour when you consider the achievements of so many other theatres around the UK.
“The last 12 months have been an incredible time for this theatre, and we’re so proud of the quality, range and profile of the work we’ve produced,"
The Royal Court calls itself "the friendliest theatre in the city", and operates as an arts and entertainment hub after extensive refurbishment in recent years.
Alistair Smith, editor of The Stage, said:“Despite the huge difficulties theatre has faced over the past two years, these shortlists underline the fact that it is bouncing back and that companies of all types continue to create outstanding work for audiences everywhere.
"Any of our shortlisted organisations would be worthy winners and we look forward to celebrating with them all on January 30.”
Among those shortlisted for the Theatre Building of the Year award is the new Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot, Merseyside
Among the six organisations shortlisted for Community Project of the Year are Blackpool Grand for its Story-Led Resilience programme and The Lowry in Salford for Show Selectors.