Sharon D Clarke to host UK Theatre Awards

Olivier Award-winning actress Sharon D Clarke will host this year's UK Theatre Awards on 15 October.

Taking place at Guildhall in central London, the awards celebrate regional theatre achievements both on and off stage in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Clarke, who was awarded an MBE earlier this year, last appeared onstage in Chichester's Caroline, or Change, which transfers to the Hampstead Theatre next year. She played Odessa in The National Theatre's production of The Amen Corner, for which she received her Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Clarke said: "From musicals and plays to opera and dance, the last year has seen incredible work performed on stages up and down the country. The UK is home to the greatest talents, both on and off stage, and I can’t wait to celebrate the industry’s phenomenal achievements in October."

The nominations for the awards will be announced on Thursday 14 September live via Twitter. Audiences can vote online for the UK's Most Welcoming Theatre Award now.