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A group of men and women are standing together on a stage accepting an award. The man in the middle is holding an award whilst speaking into a microphone.
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Citizens Theatre named top British Theatre 2026

It’s official – the Citz has been named Great British Theatre 2026, taking home the highest honour at the inaugural Great British Theatres Awards! And that’s not all! We also took home the Great Renovation Award, recognising the ambition and care that went into transforming our much-loved building.

Following seven years of closure, we reopened our doors in August 2025, with our iconic Victorian auditorium remaining at the heart of a completely reimagined building.  Alongside upgraded facilities, we’ve created exciting new spaces for artists, audiences and our local community, bringing new life and opportunities to a historic Glasgow landmark.

A group of men and women are standing together in a line. The man in the middle is holding an award.

The judges were particularly impressed by the way the redevelopment brings together the building’s past, present and future, with people and creativity at its heart.

Joshua McTaggart, Chief Executive of Theatres Trust, said:

“What the Citizens really demonstrated is bringing past, present, and future together – really thinking about where the building has come from and also navigating some of the challenges that presents, while also really thinking about what a theatre of the future needs to be, while being really confidently rooted in its local area.”

He added:

“The return of a reinvigorated Citz is not just a boost for the Gorbals neighbourhood or the city of Glasgow, but for the nationwide theatre community.”

The awards recognise more than the transformation of a building. They celebrate the people, creativity and community that bring a theatre to life. From the teams who worked tirelessly to make the redevelopment a reality to the artists, participants, partners, audiences and supporters who have helped shape the theatre’s next chapter, this achievement belongs to everyone who has been part of the journey.

A group of men and women are standing together on a stage accepting an award. The man in the middle is holding an award whilst speaking into a microphone.
Two awards sitting side by side. They are made of different shades of yellow glass, mounted on a wooden block.
A group of people are standing on a stage. A woman is standing in the middle, speaking into a microphone.

It’s been lovely to see the news of our double win making headlines!
Here’s a look at some of the stories celebrating the big moment:

 

This award is a wonderful way to celebrate just how far the Citz has come, but the real magic has always been in the people who make it what it is. To everyone who supported the redevelopment, helped bring the building back to life, championed our reopening or joined us for performances since we welcomed audiences home – thank you. Your support, enthusiasm and love for the Citz mean the world, and this achievement belongs to you just as much as it does to us. Here’s to everything still to come!