We’re thrilled to have been announced as a finalist in two categories in the Theatres Trust’s Great British Theatres Awards: Great Green Theatre, and Great New Build for The Nest.

Launched as part of Theatres Trust’s 50th anniversary celebrations, The Great British Theatres Awards recognise the theatres and their champions that are making an outstanding contribution to the UK’s cultural life. 

The Great Green Theatre award recognises theatres that have put environmental sustainability at the heart of their organisation, whether through changes to the theatre building itself, its operations or its productions. Sustainability is one of Chichester Festival Theatre core values; we endeavour to put it at the heart of our everyday working, production processes, planning, and wider conversations.

The Great New Build award celebrates newly built theatres or new theatre extensions that show how bold new architecture can be rooted in place, accessible to everyone and guided by environmental responsibility. The Nest opened in 2025; nestled among the trees beside the Festival Theatre, it’s part of CFT but with a more intimate, informal vibe. Hosting fringe theatre, stand-up comedy, live music, interactive shows for early years and community-led events, The Nest seats 120 and has its own bar and accessible facilities. Sustainability is at its heart; the core structure was previously located at the Pleasance Theatre in London and used at the Edinburgh Festival. 

Kathy Bourne, CFT’s Executive Director, commented: ‘We’re delighted to be recognised by the Theatres Trust for the work put into our drive to be sustainably minded in all that we do; and for The Nest to be appreciated as a truly innovative new space. It’s very exciting to be nominated alongside other distinguished organisations, and a great tribute to our creative and dedicated staff, artists and contractors.’

Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust says, ‘The Great British Theatres Awards finalists represents the greatest cultural spaces this country has to offer. From flexible new auditoria to buildings inspired by historic playhouses, the finalists demonstrate how a new physical space can successfully nurture artists, regenerate its surroundings, and become a civic destination.

‘Theatres Trust knew there was a need to celebrate theatres and the brilliant people who help them to thrive, but our judges had an incredibly hard time selecting the finalists. I want to extend my congratulations to every one of them.’

The winners will be revealed at the Great British Theatres Awards ceremony on Monday 2 November 2026. The full list of nominees is at https://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/latest/news/2840-great-british-theatres-awards-finalists-announced