Special awards

Fringe Theatre Awards — Special Award Tribute to Karen Koren
The Fringe Theatre Awards are delighted to announce a Special Award celebrating Karen Koren, in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and her pioneering role as a woman in an industry historically dominated by men. 2026 marks 40 years of Gilded Balloon, making this an especially fitting moment to recognise Karen Koren.

Artistic Director of SPID – for her outstanding contribution, using the arts to champion social justice

Artistic Director of Theatre-Rites – for thirty years of exceptional, unique artistic vision for young audiences

Behind the scenes of countless productions, Angie has been a powerhouse. A truly one-of-a-kind force in fringe theatre.

For championing operatic innovation and consistent excellence

Sally Hughes – for outstanding leadership as Managing Director and Artistic Director of The Mill at Sonning

For unique international programming and breathtaking vision

for pioneering work in inclusive theatre

Geoffrey Brown – a Visionary Leader in the Arts

For exceptional services to puppetry at the Little Angel Theatre

Artistic Director of the Synergy Theatre Project, for spearheading life-changing theatre concerning the criminal justice system.

The Fringe Theatre Awards would like to congratulate and give a Special Award to Chris Elwell and Jackie Eley for 27 years of transformative theatre.

Awarded to Conrad Murray, founder of BAC Beatbox Academy and Artistic Director of Beats and Elements, for reimagining the rules of theatre in order to empower new and atypical generations of artists.

The Fringe Theatre Awards are delighted to present our very first Special Award to Penny Horner, the co-founder and executive director of Jermyn Street Theatre.