Theatres Trust has unveiled its 2026 Theatres at Risk Register, marking the 20th year of the initiative that highlights theatre buildings across the UK facing closure, redevelopment or severe decay.
Published during Theatres Trust’s 50th anniversary year, the latest Register includes 39 theatres considered at risk, while celebrating significant progress at two venues that are now being removed from the list.
Abbeydale Picture House in Sheffield and Leith Theatre in Edinburgh have both been taken off the Register following major advances towards restoration and reopening.
Abbeydale Picture House has reopened its basement space as a lounge and bar, with plans in place to restore the remainder of the building as an entertainment venue hosting live music, comedy and other events.
Meanwhile, Leith Theatre Trust has secured substantial funding towards the restoration of the historic venue and appointed a design team to begin a major capital project aimed at fully reopening the building.
Theatres Trust says it will continue to support both organisations as they progress towards long-term sustainability and full operation.
However, the 2026 Register also highlights fresh concerns, with Preston Guild Hall and The Forum in Barrow-in-Furness joining the list.
The Forum, Barrow’s only theatre, closed in 2024 following the discovery of asbestos in both the theatre and the adjoining Market Hall. Demolition of the site has been proposed, with no confirmed replacement venue planned for the town.
Preston Guild Hall, the city’s only professional theatre, has remained closed since 2019. Efforts to reopen the venue were halted after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered in parts of the building, prompting further uncertainty about its future.
Commenting on the announcement, Theatres Trust CEO Joshua McTaggart said: “We are delighted to say that Abbeydale Picture House and Leith Theatre are no longer considered at risk. Their inclusion on the Theatres at Risk Register achieved its purpose, raising awareness to build local support and help unlock funding for these special theatres. Removing them from the Register is not the end of the journey and there is still work to be done to ensure their long-term resilience. Theatres Trust will be there to support both organisations with the operational challenges they may face as they move towards fully reopening.
“While it is fantastic to celebrate these successes in our 50th anniversary year, we must temper that with the reality that we are also adding two more theatres to the Register. That means two more communities losing access to the joy and opportunities that theatre brings. Sadly, these buildings are just the tip of the iceberg, and we are beginning to identify a potential trend for theatres built in the 1970s now facing a higher likelihood of challenges that could lead to longterm or even permanent closure. Without sustained long-term support for theatres at the local, regional, and national level, we could see many more theatres from the 70s added to our Theatres at Risk Register. This is a future we want to confidently avoid, and so Theatres Trust urges theatre owners, operators and local authorities to reach out to us before concerns become crises.”
First launched in 2006, the Theatres at Risk Register is designed to raise awareness of vulnerable theatre buildings and encourage action to secure their futures.
Over the past two decades, more than 80 theatres have been restored, revived or replaced through projects supported by the campaign. Success stories include Bradford Live, Stockton Globe, Walthamstow Granada and Wilton’s Music Hall.
More information can be found here.
