Scratch Built wins Arts and Entertainment Award in Basingstoke

2026 A Place To Be Proud Of Awards.
Basingstoke's finest are recognised at the awards evening at Audleys Wood Hotel <i>(Image: Sean Dillow)</i>
2026 A Place To Be Proud Of Awards. Basingstoke's finest are recognised at the awards evening at Audleys Wood Hotel (Image: Sean Dillow)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

A Basingstoke theatre company known for its immersive productions and community work has been named Arts and Entertainment winner at the A Place to be Proud of Awards.

Scratch Built Productions, led by artistic directors Becky Kitter and Nick Ash, has been part of the town’s creative scene since 2014 and became a Community Interest Company in 2023, placing community benefit at the heart of its work.

The company is widely recognised for its interactive Christmas shows at Proteus Creation Space, now in their 12th year and continuing to sell out, attracting families from across the town. Last summer, it expanded its offer with a holiday production that transformed the venue into an indoor camping adventure.

2026 A Place To Be Proud Of Awards. Basingstoke's finest are recognised at the awards evening at Audleys Wood Hotel (Image: Sean Dillow)

Beyond theatre, Scratch Built delivers a wide range of community-focused projects, including the opening parade for the Basingstoke Festival.

Initiatives such as free parade workshops, a Creative Club for young people and parents, and its Youth Basingstoke Creative programme aim to make the arts accessible to all.

The organisation also supports local artists through a monthly makers market and pop-up Creative Emporium.

Judges praised its inclusive approach, noting that it designed activities for children with complex needs and neurodiversity.

More than 4,900 people engaged with its work in 2024–25.

Accepting the award on stage at the ceremony, Becky reminded the audience of the Basingstoke Festival opening parade taking place in the town centre on June 19.

The other category finalists were:

Basingstoke Amateur Theatre Society (BATS)

BSB Cavaliers

Hampshire Harmony

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos