Popular Berwick venue hits a high note with Tripadvisor customers
A venue in Berwick is celebrating a major achievement in the shape of a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 2026.
This puts The Straw Yard in the top 10 per cent of listings from the world’s largest travel guidance platform.
The team behind the atmospheric theatre are having to pinch themselves, having got the place up and running from a standing start.
It all began in 2024 when the creative team of Ben Humphrey, Alice Humphrey and colleague Oli Brooks took over the site.
They put together a wide programme of theatre, music, events and community activities that have proved a major draw both from people within the town and beyond.
Ben said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award. The Straw Yard has always been about bringing people together through creativity, culture and community, and it’s enormously rewarding to know that visitors value the experience we’ve worked so hard to make.
“This recognition for us as a small independent venue means a great deal and is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers, staff, artists and supporters.
“It’s great – not because it’s an award, but because it’s based on what visitors think. It reflects hundreds of individual experiences and tells us that people genuinely value what we’ve created.
“No two weeks are ever the same. One night we might have a packed audience for live theatre, the next a literary event, a folk concert or a community workshop.
“Our Christmas productions have been particularly special because they bring together local audiences of all ages and really create a sense of occasion.”
He credits collaboration for a lot of what has made the project soar – with support from volunteers, artists, local organisations, funders and audiences.
Ben added: “Our family events are very successful, as much as live music performances and theatre.
“What’s been most encouraging is the diversity of the audience. Different events attract different people, which means we’re reaching far beyond a traditional arts audience.”
The diverse programme and activities have included live music, theatre, literature, exhibitions, family events, workshops and community activities.
Ben and his colleagues are particularly interested in supporting new work, developing local talent and strengthening partnerships across Berwick and the wider region.