Citizens Theatre earns top honour at awards ceremony after £30m refurbishment

A historic theatre in Glasgow has won two national awards in recognition of its “remarkable transformation” following a £30 million refurbishment.

The Citizens Theatre took home the highest honour at the inaugural Great British Theatre Awards held in London on Monday.

As well as being named Great British Theatre 2026, the Gorbals venue came out on top in the Great Renovation category.

The theatre reopened its doors in August 2025 following a seven-year closure for an extensive refurbishment.

The work was carried out in the hopes of securing the future of the building, constructed in 1878, for generations to come.

Judges praised the preservation of its Victorian auditorium by introducing modern facilities, improving accessibility, and creating new creative spaces.

They added: “A reimagined public court connects the street to the heart of the building, opening up the life of this much-loved producing theatre to its community.”

The Citizens Theatre was one of three Scottish winners on the night, with Eden Court in Inverness being named joint winner of the Great Community Connection prize, alongside London’s Polka Theatre.

Eden Court was recognised for tackling rural isolation through creative programmes and providing inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ and disabled people.

Leith Theatre Trust shared the Shining Star award with Daniel Shrimpton of Joseph Rowantree Theatre.

The organisation was honoured for its two decades of dedication to safeguarding Leith Theatre.