Great British Theatres Awards 2026 winners

Read more about each of the Great British Theatres Awards winners.

Great New Build – @sohoplace, London

In partnership with Charcoalblue and presented by Alfie Boe

The first purpose-built West End theatre in 50 years, @sohoplace has transformed a previously neglected corner of Soho into a vibrant cultural destination. Combining innovative design, accessibility and environmental responsibility, it is also the only West End theatre to hold BREEAM Excellent certification.

Great Renovation – Citizens Theatre, Glasgow

In partnership with Arup and presented by Siobhan Redmond and Gary Kemp

The remarkable transformation of Citizens Theatre has preserved its historic Victorian auditorium while introducing modern facilities, improved accessibility and new creative spaces. A reimagined public court connects the street to the heart of the building, opening up the life of this much-loved producing theatre to its community.

Great Amateur Theatre – Sherborne Studio Theatre, Dorset

In partnership with The Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain and presented by Su Pollard

Originally a corrugated iron Baptist chapel, Sherborne Studio Theatre has been transformed by the volunteer-led Amateur Players of Sherborne. Improvements including new seating, a hearing loop, insulation and better access have created a more welcoming, inclusive and energy-efficient theatre for its community.

Great Found Space – The Dipping House, Stoke-on-Trent

In partnership with Tysers and presented by Michelle Collins

Claybody Theatre has transformed a former industrial building on a disused pottery site into a permanent 130-seat theatre. After a decade of producing work in temporary spaces, the company now has a home that strengthens Stoke-on-Trent's cultural offer and demonstrates the potential of repurposed buildings.

Great Community Connection – Joint winners: Eden Court, Inverness and Polka Theatre, London

In partnership with Plann and presented by Shanay Holmes and Tobias Turley

Recognising the exceptional standard of entries, the judges selected two winners for their outstanding commitment to their communities.

Eden Court was recognised for tackling rural isolation through creative programmes reaching remote schools and communities, while providing inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ and disabled people and rural artists to connect, collaborate and create.

Polka Theatre was celebrated for making theatre accessible to children and families through affordable ticketing, inclusive programming and outreach. Its free play areas and role as a Warm Welcome space demonstrate its importance as a year-round community resource.

Great Use of Space – Natural Dye and Wellbeing Garden, National Theatre, London

Presented by Melanie La Barrie

The National Theatre has transformed an underused terrace into a garden supporting sustainable costume production, biodiversity and wellbeing. Growing around 20 plant species for natural, non-toxic dyes, the garden also provides a peaceful space for staff and visitors.

Great Placemaking Partner – Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

Presented by Zoë Armer

Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council was recognised for its vision in creating Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot. Through investment and collaboration, the council has helped establish a major cultural destination that celebrates the area's Shakespearean heritage and plays a central role in the town's regeneration.

 

Great Green Theatre – Chichester Festival Theatre

Presented by Janie Dee

Chichester Festival Theatre was recognised for placing sustainability at the heart of its operations and artistic practice. Guided by the Theatre Green Book, its initiatives include carbon offsetting for audience journeys and the creation of The Nest, a new low-carbon studio venue built using recycled materials.

 

Great Public Space – Storyhouse, Chester

Presented by Michèle Taylor and Obioma Ugoala 

Storyhouse was celebrated for creating welcoming social spaces that have become an integral part of daily life in Chester. By removing barriers to access, it has established a genuinely inclusive public building where people can meet, work and connect without needing to attend a performance.

Great British Theatres Shining Star – Joint winners: Leith Theatre Trust and Daniel Shrimpton, Joseph Rowntree Theatre

In partnership with White Light and presented by Hammed Animashaun and Jenna Lee James

The judges recognised both an organisation and an individual for their exceptional commitment to protecting and improving theatres.

Leith Theatre Trust was honoured for two decades of dedication to safeguarding Leith Theatre, protecting a building with almost a century of cultural history while laying the foundations for its future as a thriving community hub.

Daniel Shrimpton was recognised for his leadership as Chair of York's Joseph Rowntree Theatre, overseeing significant building improvements and strengthening fundraising to secure the theatre's future while remaining true to its original purpose.

 

Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award - Julie Hesmondhalgh

Presented by James Graham

Acclaimed actor and theatre advocate Julie Hesmondhalgh was honoured with the Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 recognising her exceptional contribution to championing theatre buildings and widening access to the performing arts. A passionate supporter of regional and community theatres, she has campaigned for the future of venues including Oldham Coliseum and Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre and Theatre.

Great British Theatre 2026 – Citizens Theatre, Glasgow

Presented by Joshua McTaggart and Denis Lawson

Selected by the judges as the theatre that best embodies the spirit of the awards, Citizens Theatre was recognised for its exceptional commitment to accessibility, inclusion and community engagement. Its ambitious redevelopment has preserved the building's historic character while creating new public spaces and facilities for artists, cementing its position as one of the UK's leading producing theatres.