The Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards has announced the nominees for the Empty Space…Peter Brook Award 2026, now designated In Memory of Blanche Marvin. Sponsored by Nica Burns, the nominations have been selected by a dedicated panel of critics chosen by the Marvin family.
This year’s shortlisted organisations are Orange Tree Theatre, Red Rose Chain in Ipswich, Royal Court Upstairs, The Other Palace Studio and Wonder Fools.
This marks the fourth year that the acclaimed Empty Space…Peter Brook Award has been presented as part of the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards. Founded by Blanche Marvin MBE, who died last month shortly before her 101st birthday, the award honours theatres that embody Peter Brook’s philosophy through innovative use of space and meaningful connection with their communities. The award’s new full title reflects its dedication to Marvin’s memory, with her daughter, director and producer Niki Marvin, now overseeing its stewardship.
The award will be presented during the Critics’ Circle Awards ceremony at the National Theatre on 26 March. The Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards are the only awards voted for entirely by the professional theatre critics who make up the Circle, and this year’s event is sponsored by Finto.
This year marks the first time the awards have introduced longlists and shortlists. Leading the field with five nominations each are Ivo van Hove’s production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons at Wyndham’s Theatre, Jordan Fein’s revival of Sondheim’s Into the Woods at the Bridge Theatre, and Jamie Lloyd’s production of Evita which played the London Palladium last summer.
They are closely followed by Paddington The Musical, Stereophonic, The Weir and Much Ado About Nothing, each earning four nominations.
The National Theatre also stands out with eleven nominations across five productions: Inter Alia, Hamlet, The Estate, Here We Are and The Land of the Living.
Full summaries of the Empty Space…Peter Brook Award nominations showcase the breadth of work celebrated this year. Fiona Mountford praises the Orange Tree Theatre for its “status as a boutique powerhouse” under artistic director Tom Littler. Dominic Cavendish highlights Red Rose Chain’s ongoing community impact and recent artistic achievements. Andrzej Lukowski notes the renewed vitality of the Royal Court Upstairs, with programming rooted in unsolicited debut plays. Mark Shenton commends The Other Palace Studio for providing a nurturing environment for new musicals. Lyn Gardner recognises Wonder Fools for its groundbreaking work connecting young people with playwrights and commissioning new plays.
Empty Space…Peter Brook Award 2026 Nominations
- ORANGE TREE THEATRE by Fiona Mountford – Chief Theatre Critic, The i Paper
- RED ROSE CHAIN, IPSWICH by Dominic Cavendish – Chief Theatre Critic, The Telegraph
- ROYAL COURT UPSTAIRS by Andrzej Lukowski – Theatre & Dance Editor, UK, Time Out Media
- THE OTHER PALACE STUDIO by Mark Shenton – Editor, ShentonSTAGE Theatre Newsletter
- WONDER FOOLS by Lyn Gardner – Associate Editor, The Stage
More information can be found here
