Drama group presented with Kings Award for voluntary service

MEMBERS of local theatre group Open Door Drama were presented yesterday (Friday) with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising their contribution to community life in Shetland for more than 30 years. 

The group was included in a national list of around 230 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2025.

Open Door Drama is the first voluntary organisation in Shetland to be recognised with the award, which is equivalent to an MBE and is considered to be the highest award that can be given to local voluntary groups in the UK.

Speaking when the news was announced last year, the drama group said it was “honoured”.

Lord lieutenant Lindsay Tulloch presented members of the group with their award at Lerwick Town Hall late yesterday afternoon.

He said: “I am delighted to see The King’s Award for Voluntary Service awarded to Open Door Drama.

“The award is well deserved, recognising the group’s positive community impact, and their dedication and passion for theatre and creativity.

“The talents and efforts of all those involved with Open Door Drama greatly enrich Shetland’s cultural life. I congratulate them on this Award and wish them all the best for everything they do in future.

“This is the first time that any Shetland group has received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.  With so much voluntary activity in our community, I am sure that there will be other organisations who are worthy of recognition.

“The next cycle for nominations will open later this year and I hope we can celebrate the achievements of other local groups in future too.”

Speaking in November, Open Door Drama chairperson Izzy Swanson said: “We couldn’t be happier that our group’s work has been recognised – we are particularly proud of our Youth members who give so much of their time to support our Junior Drama Summer School.”

Photo: SIC/Ben Mullay

Photo: SIC/Ben Mullay

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