Glasgow's Citizens Theatre took home the evening’s highest accolade, Great British Theatre 2026, alongside the Great Renovation title at the inaugural Great British Theatres Awards, held at Central Hall Westminster. Organised by Theatres Trust as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations and hosted by West End and Broadway star Marisha Wallace, the ceremony celebrated the UK’s extraordinary theatre buildings and the individuals dedicated to sustaining them.
The Citizens Theatre was recognized for its ambitious redevelopment, preserving its historic Victorian auditorium while introducing modern, accessible public spaces for its community. Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust, praised the achievement: "With so many exceptional theatres, there was stiff competition for the title of Great British Theatre 2026, but the Citizens Theatre thoroughly deserves this award. The return of a reinvigorated Citz is not just a boost for the Gorbals neighbourhood or the city of Glasgow, but for the nationwide theatre community."
Major winners across the nation included London's @sohoplace, taking Great New Build as the first purpose-built West End theatre in 50 years, and Dorset’s Sherborne Studio Theatre, named Great Amateur Theatre. Claybody Theatre's The Dipping House in Stoke-on-Trent secured Great Found Space, while Eden Court in Inverness and Polka Theatre in London were named joint winners of Great Community Connection.
Chichester Festival Theatre earned Great Green Theatre for its low-carbon initiatives, Storyhouse in Chester took Great Public Space, and Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council was named Great Placemaking Partner for establishing Shakespeare North Playhouse. The National Theatre claimed Great Use of Space for its Natural Dye and Wellbeing Garden, while Leith Theatre Trust and Joseph Rowntree Theatre’s Daniel Shrimpton shared the Shining Star honour.
Acclaimed actor Julie Hesmondhalgh received the Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award 2026, presented by playwright James Graham, honoring her tireless campaigning for regional and community venues. Distinct from performance-focused accolades, the awards highlight the essential cultural and social value of physical theatre spaces across the UK.
