Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh is to receive the first Lifetime Achievement Award at the Theatres Trust's new Great British Theatres Awards, as first reported by the BBC.

According to Oldham Coliseum, where she is guest curator, the award recognises her campaign to reopen the theatre's Fairbottom Street home and her advocacy for theatre, particularly in the regions. She also campaigns for more opportunities for working-class theatre makers.

Hesmondhalgh said she was "very honoured" and described the campaign to save the Coliseum as "a movement entirely led by a community".

The Theatres Trust launched the awards to mark its 50th anniversary. The ceremony will be held at Central Hall Westminster in London on Monday 2 November 2026.

Earlier this year Hesmondhalgh won an Olivier Award for her role in James Graham's play Punch.

Sources: BBC News; Oldham Coliseum; The Stage. This article was produced with the help of AI tools and checked by an editor against the sources above.