News – Fringe Theatre Awards

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.

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.

Sean Denyer is new Artistic Director at The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival

The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival announce that Sean Denyer @shorndoc has taken up the role of Artistic Director, just the second incumbent after the festival founder and artistic Director, Brian Merrimen @merriman7485 stepped down after two decades in the role.