A warm-hearted ceremony was held at Westminster Central Hall tonight, celebrating the inaugural Great British Theatres Awards. Launched by Theatres Trust to mark its 50th anniversary, the awards celebrate venues making an outstanding contribution to their communities, from major cultural landmarks to volunteer-led theatres.
Most theatre awards look at what happens on stage. The Great British Theatres Awards look instead at the buildings themselves, and at the people who protect them, transform them and keep them going. The first set of winners is a good reminder of what a theatre gives its community, culturally, socially and economically. It also makes a fair case for continued investment, so that these spaces are still here for the audiences who come after us.
From amongst some fantastic nominees, the winners on the night were:
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.
Theatre image: @sohoplace
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.
Theatre image: Citizens Theatre
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.
Theatre image: Theatres Trust
Great Found Space – The Dipping House, Stoke-on-Trent
In partnership with Tysers and presented by Keziah Ibe
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.
Theatre image: Andrew Billington
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.
Eden Court theatre image: Keith Hunter
Polka Theatre image: Steve Gregson
Great Use of Space – Natural Dye and Wellbeing Garden, National Theatre, London
Presented by Melanie La Barrie
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.
Theatre image: Rory Murphy
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.
Theatre image: Theatres Trust
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.
Image: Theatres Trust
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.
Theatre image: Theatres Trust
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
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.
Theatre image: Ryan Buchanan
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 Theatre 2026 – Citizens Theatre, Glasgow
Presented by Josh 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.
Image: Alasdair Watson
Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award 2026: Julie Hesmondhalgh
Presented by Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham
Acclaimed actor and theatre advocate Julie Hesmondhalgh was recognised for 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.
All winners images: Piers Allardyce
Congratulations from Red Bus Londinium to all the winners!
More information about the Theatres Trust can be found at their website: https://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/
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