Chichester Festival Theatre has been named a finalist in two categories at the Great British Theatres Awards.
The theatre is shortlisted for Great Green Theatre, while its newer venue, The Nest, is in the running for Great New Build.
The awards were launched as part of the Theatres Trust’s 50th anniversary celebrations and recognise theatres and individuals making a significant contribution to cultural life across the UK.
The Great Green Theatre category recognises venues which have placed environmental sustainability at the heart of their buildings, operations or productions.
Chichester Festival Theatre says sustainability is one of its core values and is considered throughout its day-to-day work, production processes and future planning.
The Nest, which opened in 2025 beside the Festival Theatre, has been shortlisted in the Great New Build category.
The 120-seat venue hosts fringe theatre, stand-up comedy, live music, shows for younger audiences and community-led events.
It also includes its own bar and accessible facilities.
Sustainability played a major role in the development of the venue, with its core structure previously located at the Pleasance Theatre in London and also used at the Edinburgh Festival.
Kathy Bourne, Executive Director of Chichester Festival Theatre, said: “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, said the finalists represented some of the country’s leading cultural spaces.
He said: “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 Great British Theatres Awards ceremony will take place on Monday 2 November 2026.
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