Hull Truck Theatre and Bradford’s Common/Wealth theatre company have each won a top accolade in the annual The Stage Awards 2026.

The Stage Awards honour creativity, talent and dedication on and off the stage. Now in its

16th year, the awards shine a spotlight on everything from national theatres to hidden

gems and the unsung heroes behind the scenes.

This year’s ceremony took place last night (January 12) at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre, London.

There were ten winners on the night which included the two Yorkshire theatre companies.

Common/Wealth who are based in Bradford city centre won the Community Award for their site-specific work over the past 17 years.

Common/Wealth in Bradford won an award | Common/Wealth

placeholder image — Common/Wealth in Bradford won an award | Common/Wealth

Common/Wealth are known for creating bold, political work with communities rarely reached by traditional theatre. Founded by Evie Manning and Rhiannon White, the Bradford- and Cardiff-based company makes shows in council houses, boxing gyms and car parks, meeting audiences where they live.

One of their recent pieces of work was the premiere of Public Interest for Bradford UK City of Culture.

On receiving the award, Common/Wealth posted on instagram: “Absolute genuine elation.

“Building and working with and for working class communities is the beating heart of what we do and it’s so brilliant for our work to be recognised by the theatre industry.

“We are so moved and honoured to do the work we do.”

Hull Truck Theatre company won the innovation award for its pioneering theatre-based training scheme for GPs.

Hull Truck Theatre has won a national award | Hull Truck Theatre

Developed by the theatre’s creative learning team and piloted in partnership with a local NHS branch, the programme uses drama techniques to build communication, empathy and confidence in trainee GPs.

Drawing on Augusto Boal’s Forum Theatre, participants explore complex medical scenarios through role play, reflection and intervention.

The initiative has not only supported future doctors and their patients but has also generated new income for the theatre, demonstrating the powerful potential of collaboration between the arts and healthcare.