Acclaimed actor and cultural advocate Julie Hesmondhalgh has been named as the recipient of the inaugural Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor will be presented by the Theatres Trust during a ceremony at Central Hall Westminster in London on Monday, November 2, 2026, marking a major highlight of the organization’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.
The prestigious award recognizes Hesmondhalgh’s tireless campaigning to protect regional venues, champion working-class talent, and ensure equitable access to the performing arts across the United Kingdom. Best known for her celebrated television and stage roles-including recent acclaim in James Graham’s Punch-Hesmondhalgh has consistently leveraged her public platform to fight for community-centered cultural spaces.
Championing Regional Venues and Oldham Coliseum
A central pillar of Hesmondhalgh’s recent advocacy involves her high-profile leadership in the campaign to save the historic Oldham Coliseum following its sudden closure. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with local residents, she helped spearhead a community-led movement to protect the venue’s Fairbottom Street home. Today, she remains deeply involved in the institution’s revitalization efforts as its Guest Curator, working alongside local communities as the beloved theatre prepares for its permanent reopening.
Beyond her work in Oldham, Hesmondhalgh has extended her vocal support to other threatened regional spaces, including the Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre and Theatre. Her grassroots activism underscores a core philosophy: that live performance should be accessible to everyone, regardless of geography or socioeconomic background.
Joshua McTaggart, CEO of the Theatres Trust, praised Hesmondhalgh’s unwavering dedication to the sector, stating: “The concept for the Lifetime Achievement Award is to recognise someone who shares Theatres Trust’s belief that everyone should have access to theatre and live performance no matter where they live or what their background is. There is no one in the public eye who embodies this spirit more than Julie Hesmondhalgh.”
A Legacy of Socially Engaged Theatre
Hesmondhalgh’s contributions to British culture extend far beyond traditional acting credits. She co-founded Manchester’s award-winning Take Back Theatre Collective, which produces fast-response, socially engaged theatre addressing contemporary political and social issues. Additionally, she actively supports organizations dedicated to diversifying the creative industries, including the Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme’s (RTYDS) Fair Play programme and the youth arts charity Arts Emergency.
Reacting to the announcement, Julie Hesmondhalgh shared her gratitude: “I’m very honoured to be awarded this inaugural award from the Theatres Trust, celebrating as it does the successful campaign to save Oldham Coliseum-a movement entirely led by a community who were not willing to see their historic, beloved theatre disappear. I’m so proud to have been a small part of the gang who made that happen, and now to be part of the company who are working so hard to get us to the point of reopening and beyond.”
The Great British Theatres Awards Ceremony
The upcoming ceremony on November 2, 2026, will celebrate achievement across the UK theatre landscape through ten open categories, covering everything from architectural renovation and new builds to community connections and environmental sustainability. Judges will also crown the overall Great British Theatre of the Year 2026.
Adding star power to the evening, Olivier Award-nominated West End and Broadway performer Marisha Wallace-acclaimed for her standout roles in Guys and Dolls, Dreamgirls, Waitress, and Cabaret-has been announced as the official host of the inaugural event. With a stellar line-up of celebrity presenters and industry leaders expected in attendance, the evening promises to honor the vital grassroots venues that form the beating heart of British theatre.
Frequently Asked Questions About Julie Hesmondhalgh
What award is Julie Hesmondhalgh receiving?
Julie Hesmondhalgh is receiving the inaugural Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Theatres Trust during its 50th-anniversary year.
When and where will the awards ceremony take place?
The ceremony will be held at Central Hall Westminster in London on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Why is Julie Hesmondhalgh receiving this lifetime achievement award?
The award honors her tireless advocacy for regional theatre, her prominent campaign to save Oldham Coliseum’s Fairbottom Street home, and her continuous efforts to open up the arts to working-class creators and under-served communities.
What is Julie Hesmondhalgh’s current role at Oldham Coliseum?
She serves as the Guest Curator for Oldham Coliseum Theatre, collaborating closely with local people as the historic venue prepares to reopen its permanent home.
Who is hosting the Great British Theatres Awards ceremony?
The awards ceremony will be hosted by powerhouse West End and Broadway performer Marisha Wallace, who has twice been nominated for an Olivier Award.
