The Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards have announced the nominees for the Empty Space… Peter Brook Award 2026, an accolade recognising innovative use of theatrical space and community engagement. This year’s shortlist honours five diverse theatre companies ahead of the ceremony at the National Theatre in March.

The Empty Space… Peter Brook Award, sponsored by Nica Burns, celebrates theatres or companies embodying the spirit of Peter Brook through experimental space and community connection. The award is decided by a dedicated panel of critics selected by the Marvin family.

Nominations for the 2026 prize include the Orange Tree Theatre, Red Rose Chain in Ipswich, Royal Court Upstairs, The Other Palace Studio, and Wonder Fools. Each was nominated by prominent critics Fiona Mountford, Dominic Cavendish, Andrzej Lukowski, Mark Shenton, and Lyn Gardner respectively.

This marks the fourth year the award has been presented within the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards, which are now in their 37th year. The prize was founded by Blanche Marvin, who passed away last month just short of her 101st birthday, and has been renamed in her memory.

Blanche Marvin’s daughter, Niki Marvin, an Oscar-nominated director and producer, has taken over responsibility for the prize. The award ceremony will take place at the National Theatre on 26 March.

Notably, this year critics introduced a new system, producing both longlists and shortlists for the first time in the history of these awards. The process aims to increase transparency and celebrate a wider range of theatrical achievements.

The nominees reflect a broad spectrum of contemporary theatre practice, from established venues to more experimental companies, highlighting the ongoing vitality of space-focused and community-oriented theatre in the UK.