SOUTHAMPTON'S Nuffield theatre has won a top national award for its play Three Sisters.

The Chekhov classic, staged at the theatre this spring before being taken on a national tour, won the Barclays Theatre Award for Best Designer.

Produced in association with the Theatre Royal Bath and directed by Nuffield artistic director Patrick Sandford, the play starred classical actress Imogen Stubbs and former Blake's 7 star Gareth Thomas.

Members of the cast and production team, including designer Simon Higlett, picked up the award at a special ceremony.

Kate Anderson, of the Nuffield, said: "Three Sisters was a joy to produce.

"The Barclays Awards mean so much to us because is is the local theatregoer who puts forward the nominations.

"We are so pleased that Simon's outstanding design has led to the Nuffield coming away with one of the titles."

The current show at the Nuffield is the classic swashbuckling romance Cyrano de Bergerac. For tickets and further information, call the box office on 023 8067 1771.