Theatres Trust has announced the inaugural Great British Theatres Awards, a new nationwide celebration marking the organisation’s 50th anniversary.
The awards will highlight the theatres and performance spaces that play a vital role in the nation’s cultural life. The initiative aims to recognise venues as civic landmarks that support creativity, communities and local economies.
Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust, said, “In our 50th year, it feels vital to bring the sector together to champion the places and spaces where theatre happens. From grassroots community venues to landmark new builds, our theatres are more than just auditoriums, they are civic landmarks, cultural engines, and the beating heart of communities across the country. This is our moment to recognise them with pride.”
The Great British Theatres Awards will feature ten open categories, including Great New Build, Great Renovation, Great Found Space and Great Green Theatre, alongside two special Judges’ Awards.
Entries open on Thursday 16 April and require a 500‑word statement with supporting materials. Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 11 June.
A shortlist will be announced in September when tickets for the awards ceremony go on sale. The inaugural event will take place on Monday 2 November 2026 at Central Hall Westminster.
The awards will be a centrepiece of Theatres Trust’s anniversary year, celebrating five decades of protecting and championing theatre buildings across the UK.
More information can be found here.
