Great British Theatres Awards
Theatres Trust launch prestigious new Awards for 50th Anniversary.
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Theatres Trust has launched the inaugural Great British Theatres Awards - a nationwide spotlight on the buildings and spaces where extraordinary performance comes to life and communities gather to connect.
While many awards rightly celebrate the talented people who bring theatre and performance to life, the Great The Great British Theatres Awards are about something different: the spaces themselves, the buildings where the magic happens, offering a unique and exciting celebration of the theatre industry.
The Great British Theatres Awards will recognise excellence across 10 open award categories, alongside two Judges’ Awards.
The 10 Open Categories are:
- Great New Build
- Great Renovation
- Great Amateur Theatre
- Great Found Space
- Great Community Connection
- Great Use of Space
- Great Placemaking Partner
- Great Green Theatre
- Great Public Space
- Great British Theatres Shining Star
In addition to the ten public categories, the panel of expert judges will crown one theatre as the Great British Theatre 2026. This will be awarded to one building that best exemplifies the spirit of the Great British Theatres Awards. The judges will also present the Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising exceptional long-term contribution to theatre buildings and cultural infrastructure.
Entries will open on Thursday 16th April via Theatres Trust’s website. The online application process will consist of a 500-word statement accompanied by a PDF of supporting materials. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Thursday 11th June.
The shortlist of nominees will be announced in September, when tickets for the awards ceremony will go on sale.
Where: Central Hall Westminster, Storey's Gate, London, SW1H 9NH
When: Monday 2 November 2026
Applications open: Thursday 16th April 2026
Applications close: Thursday 11th June 2026, 5pm
Further Information: Great British Theatres Awards