A WESTON theatre has announced that it has been chosen as a finalist for the Mission Possible - Best Social Enterprise Business at this year's Small Awards.

Having opened in December 2022, Front Room Theatre WSM helps support local artists and prides itself on its commitment to affordable and accessible theatre.

The Front Room website explains further: "Front Room is a brand new fringe theatre in Weston-super-Mare.

"Our aim is to present exciting adult and family theatre productions to the Weston community and provide a platform for local artists and theatre companies to share their work in their hometown.

"Front Room wants to provide opportunities for people living in and around Weston-super-Mare to be creative, share stories and participate in community projects, as well as getting to see work from around the country being presented on their doorstep.

"Front Room was set up by Emma and Adam and we are local residents of Weston with decades of experience of working as freelance theatre makers, writers, directors and performers.

"Along with the help of Culture Weston, a grant from the Arts Council England, and a group of amazing people armed with mops from the local community, we managed to transform an old pizza express into a fringe theatre."

It is just one of eight finalists for the Mission Possible category for Best Social Enterprise Business, which seeks to recognise small businesses that go above and beyond to benefit their local community.

The Small Awards, which have been running for eight years, is organised by Small Business Britain.

Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain, said: “The Small Awards is all about celebrating the inspiring small business owners who are at the heart of the economy and their communities.

“They are an opportunity to recognise and applaud the passion and resilience of the nation’s small firms, particularly amidst such turbulent times.

"Front Room Theatre WSM is extremely deserving of being shortlisted for this award and we can’t wait to celebrate with them in May."

A spokesperson from the theatre said: “We are so excited to have been nationally shortlisted for the small business awards in the category of ‘Mission Possible - Best social enterprise business’.

"Our local community helps to make Front Room Theatre the wonder that it is so we hope we can bring a shiny award back to Weston for you all. Keep your fingers crossed!”

The winners of all categories will be announced on May 16, 2024 at an awards ceremony at St Mary's Church in London.

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