'A great & very unexpected honour'- Chorley Theatre stalwart Ian Robinson wins prestigious award
“It’s very nice to be recognised by the Society of Real Lancashire for the hard work that goes into it” says Chorley Theatre stalwart following award win.
The Operations Director at Chorley Theatre has been recognised for his "outstanding work” in developing the beloved venue over the years.
Ian Robinson, who has worked at Chorley Theatre for the past four decades, was presented with The Lancastrian Award Certificate over the weekend.
Run by the Friends of Real Lancashire, The Lancastrian Awards are held each year to recognise the individuals and organisations who epitomise the true Lancastrian spirit by supporting others in their communities and being dedicated to making a difference.
Ian told the Post: “I was surprised and delighted to be given this award. I was born in Blackpool and moved to Chorley in 1980 so have been a proud Lancastrian all my life and receiving this was a great, and very unexpected honour.
“I’ve been with Chorley Theatre for nearly 40 years and as Chairman oversaw an expansion of what we do, with comedy shows and films complimenting the main programme of plays. There have been some tough times, especially during Covid, but I’m pleased to say we’re currently more successful than ever. There’s an army of volunteers keeping the venue going so this award is partly thanks to them, but I’m going to keep it!
“It’s a great honour and responsibility to keep the Lancashire public entertained, and I’m grateful for the support of everyone who comes, so it’s very nice to be recognised by the Society of Real Lancashire for the hard work that goes into it.”
Ian was surprised with the presentation by the Friends of Real Lancashire during the thank yous on the last night of the show ‘The Unfriend’.
Running at Chorley Theatre between April 13-18, the comedy play was directed by Ian alongside his work as Operations Director.
In a statement Friends of Real Lancashire said: "We are pleased to honour Ian Robinson of Chorley Theatre in the historic Leyland Hundred as a Winner of the 2025 Lancastrian Awards.
“In recognition of outstanding dedication and leadership, Ian Robinson saved Chorley Theatre from collapse and ruin over the past twenty years. Through tireless organization of repairs, fundraising, and volunteer coordination, Ian has performed every role needed to ensure the theatre’s survival. Steering the venue through the challenges of Covid lockdowns, Ian enabled it to be among the first to reopen. “Thanks to this unwavering commitment, the volunteer-owned and run venue remains proudly independent and thriving.
“The continued success of Chorley Theatre would not have been possible without Ian Robinson.
“Congratulations Ian, and thank you for your tremendous work in the Chorley community. "
The Lancastrian Awards are held each year and nominees are shortlisted and categorised according to Lancashire’s historic hundreds - the six adminstrative divisions named Amounderness, Blackburn, Leyland, Lonsdale, Salford, and West Derby.
The winners are then selected by a group of judges, made up of Friends of Real Lancashire’s committee members and other proud Lancastrians.
To be eligible for recognition, organisations must have a base in Historic Lancashire and individuals should have been born in, live in, work in or have some interest in the protection and promotion of the historic county.