Citizens Theatre in Glasgow has been named Great British Theatre 2026 at the inaugural Great British Theatres Awards, held as part of Theatres Trust’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The awards recognise the buildings, organisations and individuals making an outstanding contribution to the UK’s cultural life, with almost 200 nominations received from across the country.
Citizens Theatre also won the Great Renovation award, with judges praising its ambitious redevelopment, improved accessibility and commitment to community engagement.
Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust, said: “Theatres Trust is thrilled to be celebrating the winners of the first ever Great British Theatres Awards. The winners reflect the diverse nature of theatres across the country with winners ranging from a new West End theatre to a venue created in an adapted industrial unit. Whether historic or modern, amateur, commercial or subsidised, each winner demonstrated the far-reaching impact it has for its audiences, communities and artists.
“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.”
The evening, hosted by Marisha Wallace at Central Hall Westminster, also saw acclaimed actor and theatre advocate Julie Hesmondhalgh receive the Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award 2026. The award was presented by Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham in recognition of her longstanding support for theatre buildings and widening access to the performing arts.
Organised by Theatres Trust and produced by Green Room Ents Ltd, the awards celebrate the buildings themselves rather than productions or performances, highlighting the social, cultural and economic value theatres bring to communities across the UK.
The full list of Great British Theatres Awards 2026 winners is:
Great New Build: @sohoplace, London
Great Renovation: Citizens Theatre, Glasgow
Great Amateur Theatre: Sherborne Studio Theatre, Dorset
Great Found Space: The Dipping House, Stoke-on-Trent
Great Community Connection (Joint Winners): Eden Court, Inverness and Polka Theatre, London
Great Use of Space: Natural Dye and Wellbeing Garden, National Theatre, London
Great Placemaking Partner: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Great Green Theatre: Chichester Festival Theatre
Great Public Space: Storyhouse, Chester
Great British Theatres Shining Star (Joint Winners): Leith Theatre Trust and Daniel Shrimpton, Joseph Rowntree Theatre
Great British Theatre 2026: Citizens Theatre, Glasgow
Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award 2026: Julie Hesmondhalgh
More information can be found here.
