Inaugural Great British Theatres Awards Finalists Announced

The finalists have been revealed for the inaugural Great British Theatres Awards, recognising the theatres and champions making an outstanding contribution to the UK’s cultural life, following almost 200 nominations from across the country.

The finalists for the inaugural Great British Theatres Awards have been announced, recognising the theatres and their champions making an outstanding contribution to the UK’s cultural life. Following an overwhelming response of nearly 200 nominations from theatres, cultural organisations and communities across the country, the finalists represent the breadth, ambition and vital role of theatre buildings in towns and cities nationwide. Winners will be revealed at the inaugural ceremony at Central Hall Westminster on Monday 2 November 2026, at 7.30pm.

On announncing the finalists, Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust, said:

The Great British Theatres Awards finalists represent the greatest cultural spaces and inspiring people this country has to offer. Theatres Trust knew there was a need to celebrate these theatres and the people who keep them buzzing, but the number of nominations was truly overwhelming. The judges had an incredibly challenging time choosing the finalists, and / want to extend my congratulations to every one of them. I can’t wait to celebrate our Great British Theatres in style this November.

The inaugural awards form part of Theatres Trust’s 50th anniversary celebrations, marking five decades of championing the UK’s theatres and the communities that depend on them. Two additional honours will also be awarded at the ceremony: the Great British Theatre 2026 award, selected by the judging panel from the category winners, and the Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award, selected by Theatres Trust.

The Great British Theatres Awards finalists

Great New Build

From flexible new auditoria to buildings inspired by historic playhouses, the finalists demonstrated how a new physical space can successfully nurture artists, regenerate its surroundings, and become a civic destination.

@sohoplace, London
BEAM, Hertford
Brixton House, London
The Nest, Chichester Festival Theatre
Shakespeare North, Prescot

Great Renovation

From rescuing buildings that have been empty for many years through to carefully reinvigorating much-loved theatres, the finalists showed how long-standing venues can be equipped for new generations without losing what makes them special.

The Arts Theatre, Cambridge
Bradford Live, Bradford
Citizens Theatre, Glasgow
The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate

Great Amateur Theatre

These finalists showed how amateur theatres can play an outsized role in connecting their communities. They represent the breadth of extraordinary ambition showed by volunteer-led theatres.

The Questors Theatre, London
Seaford Little Theatre, East Sussex
Sherborne Studio Theatre, Dorset
The Swan, Yeovil

Great Found Space

Previously a former restaurant, a pottery shed, a redundant church, a historic chapel, and an old greengrocer, these spaces have a new life as thriving theatres that support artists and communities in coming together,

The Dipping House, Stoke-on-Trent
Front Room Theatre, Weston-super-Mare
The Horton, Epsom
Lower Marsh Arts Club (formerly The Glitch), London
Nyth, Bangor

Great Community Connection

These finalists have demonstrated impactful and genuine relationships with people who might otherwise feel excluded from cultural life.

Cast, Doncaster
Citizens Theatre, Glasgow
Derby Theatre, Derby
Eden Court, Inverness
Hoxton Hall, London
Polka Children’s Theatre, London
The Theatre Chipping Norton
Wolverhampton Grand, Wolverhampton

Great Use of Space

These finalists brought to life overlooked corners of their theatre, from a terrace growing natural costume dyes to dance and beatboxing spilling onto staircases,

Alexandra Palace, London (for its innovative use of its auditorium)
Battersea Arts Centre, London (for its building takeovers)
National Theatre, London (for the Natural Dye and Wellbeing Garden)
Theatre Royal Plymouth, Plymouth (for Summer in the Scene Dock)

Great Placemaking Partner

Through capital investment, policy, partnerships and the creative use of vacant spaces, these finalists are regenerating town centres, strengthening local economies and building civic pride through their partnership and support of local theatres

Glasgow City Council
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Lambeth Council
London Borough of Harrow

Great Green Theatre

These finalists combined sustainable and energy-saving adaptations to their buildings along with carbon literacy training, sustainable production practices and environmental initiatives involving their artists, audiences and communities.

Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester
Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, Dundee
New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Nottingham Playhouse

Great Public Space

Having redefined what a theatre’s public spaces can be, these finalists’ cafés, gardens, play areas and libraries provide welcoming places to work, play, meet others or simply keep warm, often without visitors needing to buy a ticket.

Gosforth Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne (for its café)
Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne (for its community garden)
Polka Children’s Theatre, London (for the Y C Chan Playden)
Storyhouse, Chester (for its social spaces)

Great British Theatres Shining Star

Whether through campaigning or leadership, these finalists have worked tirelessly to secure the futures of their local theatres. They represent people who know the importance of thriving theatres to the vitality and wellbeing of communities.