Theatres at Risk Register 2026

We have just published our annual register of theatres under threat of permanent closure, redevelopment, or demolition across the UK.

In our 50th anniversary year, we are marking 20 years of the Theatres at Risk Register by highlighting both encouraging progress and continuing challenges for theatres across the UK.

This year’s Theatres at Risk Register consists of 39 theatres, which all have strong architectural merit, cultural heritage or value to the local community as performance venues.

First launched in 2006, the Theatres at Risk Register shines a spotlight on theatres under threat and helps galvanise support for securing their future. Over two decades, this campaign has played a vital role in raising awareness, building partnerships, and supporting the revival of important cultural assets in communities across the country.

In the intervening two decades, more than 80 theatres have been restored and revived, or suitable replacements have been built. This year we are celebrating the good news stories of Abbeydale Picture House and Leith Theatre being removed from the Register, joining other notable success stories that include Bradford Live, Stockton Globe, Walthamstow Granada and Wilton’s Music Hall.

Sadly, we are also adding two more theatres to the Register, Preston Guild Hall and The Forum in Barrow-in-Furness. Four other theatres (Blackpool Winter Gardens Pavilion, The Globe in Plymouth, The Groundlings in Portsmouth and Kings Theatre Kirkaldy) have been taken off the Register as changes to their circumstances mean they are unlikely to return to live performance use. See the complete Theatres at Risk Register 2026 at a glance.

Celebrating progress

Abbeydale Picture House and Leith Theatre have been removed from this year’s Register as significant progress has been made towards their respective restoration and reopening. Abbeydale Picture House reopened its basement space as a lounge and bar with plans for the rest of the building to be reopened soon as a vibrant entertainment venue, hosting live music, comedy and other events. With Theatres Trust’s support Leith Theatre Trust has secured significant funding towards restoring the building and has appointed a design team to start the major capital project. We have provided expert, impartial advice to both theatres at every step of their respective journeys and will continue to support them as they progress through their business development and work towards being able to fully reopen.

Concerning emerging trends

The two new additions to the Theatres at Risk Register, Preston Guild Hall and The Forum in Barrow-in-Furness, are both local authority-owned theatres built in the 1970s, adding evidence of the potential trend for theatres of this type to be increasingly at risk.

Whether it is the presence of asbestos or ‘crumbling concrete’ RAAC or just that their systems are coming to the end of their lifespan, these theatres need investment to be suitable for modern audiences and productions. The 1970s also saw a trend for building theatres as part of larger civic complexes, which makes repairs even more difficult. Add to this, the pressures on local authority finances and there is a perfect storm of issues putting this type of theatre at risk.

What can be done?

Theatres Trust continues to make the case to national and local governments about the social and economic benefits of investing in theatres, including persuading local authorities to take a long-term view.

If you are concerned about a theatre in your area, whether you are the owner / operator, the local authority or a member of the public, we would encourage you to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

Including a theatre on the Theatres at Risk Register is always a last resort, and the sooner we can offer our impartial expertise, the better the outcome for the theatre and its community is likely to be.

Image credit: Leith Theatre, Gaelle Beri