Alan Finch CBE will be posthumously awarded the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre Award at the UK Theatre Awards 2026, sponsored by Encore, with the honour set to be presented on 12 October at 8 Northumberland Avenue.
Hosted by La Voix, the ceremony will see Finch’s family accept the award in recognition of a career that left a lasting mark on regional and commercial theatre across the UK.
Finch began his career as a teenage theatre electrician before progressing into production management and senior leadership roles. He established a formidable reputation at major regional theatres including Nottingham Playhouse and Theatre Royal Plymouth.
In 2005, Finch joined Chichester Festival Theatre, where he worked alongside Artistic Director Jonathan Church to lead a significant artistic and financial turnaround. During their tenure, the theatre staged more than 100 productions, including 22 new plays, won over 40 awards and achieved an audience capacity of 95%, while also delivering a landmark £22 million redevelopment of the venue.
Kathy Bourne, President of UK Theatre and Executive Director of Chichester Festival Theatre, said: “Alan’s contribution to Chichester Festival Theatre was immense; it would not be overstating it to say that, together with his long-time friend and colleague Jonathan Church, he saved the theatre from closure. Not only was he instrumental in restoring CFT to artistic and financial health, he also established its future prosperity.
“Alan wasn’t only an inspirational and brilliant executive director; he was an unswervingly loyal, kind, encouraging and supportive colleague, leader and friend.”
Finch was awarded a CBE for services to theatre in 2015 before joining Cameron Mackintosh Ltd in 2016, where he oversaw extensive UK and international touring activity.
Cameron Mackintosh said: “I met him almost 40 years ago when he was running Theatre Royal Plymouth. I knew he was special then. Alan had many talents beyond his business acumen – most importantly he was a wonderful human being, naturally brilliant with people and a great communicator.”
As a board member of the Society of London Theatre since 2022, Finch also played an important role in the Olivier Awards Committee, becoming widely respected throughout the industry for his expertise, leadership and generosity.
Claire Walker and Hannah Essex, Co-CEOs of Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, said: “Alan Finch was a remarkable leader who made an extraordinary contribution to British theatre, both regionally and nationally, combining his exceptional business sense with a deep understanding of what makes theatre thrive.
“His transformative work at Chichester Festival Theatre was testament to his vision and determination, and he brought that same expertise to the commercial sector, overseeing productions and tours that reached audiences in all corners of the UK.
“Alan was also a hugely valued member of our own community as a board member of SOLT and a trusted adviser to us both. He was generous with his time, wisdom and humour, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside him. This award rightly recognises his exceptional career and the lasting mark Alan leaves on British theatre.”
More information can be found here.
