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The Stage: that esteemed and much-loved publication which for almost 150 years has been the go-to for theatre professionals (and those of us who wished we’d had the ability and perhaps the temerity to tread the boards) – has announced the winners of The Stage Awards 2026.
Now in its 16th year, the awards shine a spotlight on everything from national theatres to hidden gems, together with the unsung heroes behind the scenes. This year’s ceremony took place on January 12 at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre, London – and some of our most important Northern creative organisations are returning home with confirmation that their work as cultural anchors, economic drivers and community hubs is as vital as ever.
Of the 10 categories (in addition to the Judges Award and the Stage 100 #1 recognition for Michael Sheen), organisations from Bradford, Hull and Manchester have been singled out as cultural champions:
Fringe Theatre of the Year, sponsored by Encore Insure, went to Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre, celebrating a transformative 10th anniversary for the venue founded by Joseph Houston and William Whelton. From a £10,000 loan and a grade II*-listed mill, Hope Mill has grown into one of the UK’s most dynamic producing houses.
After a challenging period emerging from the pandemic, a bold new producing model has allowed the much-loved theatre to stage large rregional productions while keeping a vibrant home programme in 2025. Beyond its shows, Hope Mill nurtures young talent through its Theatre School, supports emerging companies and new writing, runs its LGBT+ festival Turn On Fest and launches degree-level training with the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, cementing its place as a hub for creativity and opportunity in the North.
The Community Award went to Common/Wealth, the site-specific theatre company known for creating bold, political work with communities rarely reached by traditional theatre.
Founded by Evie Manning and Rhiannon White, the Bradford and Cardiff-based company makes shows in council houses, boxing gyms and car parks, meeting audiences where they live. Embedded in its communities for 17 years, Common/Wealth continues to produce critically acclaimed, often life-changing work, most recently premiering Public Interest for Bradford UK City of Culture and Demand the Impossible in Cardiff, reaffirming its commitment to theatre as a tool for meaningful social change.
This year’s Innovation Award, sponsored by Charcoalblue, was awarded to Hull Truck Theatre for its pioneering theatre-based training scheme for GPs. Developed by the theatre’s creative learning team and piloted in partnership with a local NHS branch, the programme uses drama techniques to build communication, empathy and confidence in trainee GPs.
Drawing on Augusto Boal’s Forum Theatre, participants explore complex medical scenarios through role play, reflection and intervention. The initiative has not only supported future doctors and their patients but has also generated new income for the theatre, demonstrating the powerful potential of collaboration between the arts and healthcare.
Summing up this year’s remarkable award winners, The Stage editor Alistair Smith said: “This year’s winners show theatre at its most confident and outward-looking, combining artistic ambition with a clear sense of purpose. From major institutions to independent innovators, they demonstrate how strong leadership, deep community roots and creative risk-taking can deliver real impact on stage and beyond it.”
This year’s ceremony celebrated the very best of British theatre over the past 12 months. Hosts Hilson Agbangbe and Lucy Karczewski,recent winners of The Stage Debut Awards, guided the evening, which featured standout performances from Leesa Tulley and Grace Hodgett Young, both previous winners of Best Performer in a Musical at The Stage Debut Awards. The event brought together an audience of nominees, industry leaders, and distinguished guests for a night of unforgettable moments, energy, and celebration.
Bravo Hope Mill, Hull Truck and Common/Wealth!
Header image: Common/Wealth creatives in Bradford (Lizzie Coombes)
