Blanche Marvin Obituary
Awarded an honorary MBE in 2010 for services to theatre, Blanche Marvin remained passionately engaged with live performance until the end of her life. She died on January 13, 2026, aged 100.
New temporary theatre at Marble Arch
Planning permission has been granted for the temporary theatre proposed at Marble Arch, with capacity for up to 500 people. The venue is due to open in spring 2026 and will introduce an exciting new cultural focal point at one of London’s most recognisable landmarks.
New actors’ centre at Marylebone Theatre
The Marylebone Theatre will host a range of regular courses and classes on the art of acting. These will take place in their three studio rooms, led by a faculty of experienced teachers and facilitators. The programme will also include masterclasses from acclaimed theatre-practitioners, such as Dame Harriet Walter and Dominic Cooke.
Theatre Book Prize judges announced
The Society of Theatre Research Book Prize is presented annually for a book on British or British-related theatre which an independent panel of judges considers to be the best published during the previous year.
This year’s judges are Dr John Godber OBE, producer Thomas Hopkins and critic Maryam Philpott, it was announced by New Theatre Prize joint administrators Gary Naylor and Kevin Wilson.
Graham Norton is newest Ambassador of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Graham made his start at the Fringe in 1991.
The role will see Graham join previously announced Ambassadors Suzy Eddie Izzard and Brian Cox and honorary President of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Basic Income for the Arts
The Irish government will make its basic income pilot for artists permanent starting in 2026, following a successful trial launched in 2022. Under the pilot, around 2,000 artists received €325 per week (≈$370) to support their creative work.
Circle & Star Theatre, Hampstead
This December marks the revival of one of London’s most storied creative landmarks. The Pentameters Theatre, widely recognised as one of the city’s very first modern pub theatres, will reopen as The Circle & Star Theatre, located above The Horseshoe in Hampstead.
Special award: Anda Winters, Artistic Director & CEO of the Coronet Theatre
For unique international programming and breathtaking vision
Circle and Star Theatre
Website: https://circleandstar.com/ Contact: Steve Furst – Artistic director General contact email: steve@circleandstar.com Address: 28 Heath Street, London NW3 6TE Do you curate your shows: Yes Do you produce in-house: Yes Do you accept dry-hire: Yes Preferred programming: All genres; plays, comedy, podcasts, especially from young Jewish creatives. Configurations: Whilst the stage is fixed, the 60 […]
Seven Dials Playhouse: first recipients of First Steps and Next Step
Seven Dials Playhouse has announced the first recipients of First Steps and Next Step – two new artist development initiatives designed to provide time, space and financial support for theatre-makers at all stages of their careers.
