We are thrilled to announce that The Horton has been named as a finalist in the Great British Theatres Awards 2026.
The prestigious awards, launched by Theatres Trust as part of their 50th anniversary celebration, recognises the venues that are ‘making an outstanding contribution to the UK’s cultural life.’
The Horton has been shortlisted in the Great Found Space category – acknowledging live performance venues that have been created in found or repurposed spaces, rather than traditional or purpose-built theatres.
The winners will be revealed at the Great British Theatres Awards ceremony at Central Hall Westminster on 2nd November. The Horton is the only Surrey venue to reach the finals.
Director Maria Reeves said: “It’s wonderful that The Horton’s achievement in being transformed from a semi-derelict building on Historic England’s ‘Heritage At Risk Register’ to a vibrant arts space has been recognised at a national level. Theatre is an incredibly important part of our artistic programme, presenting diverse stories, Fringe favourites and innovative adaptations of classics in an atmospheric performance space.
“We have in essence opened two new ‘found’ theatre spaces – our Performance space indoors and the second when our gardens were redeveloped last summer. The whole team is delighted that the Great British Theatre Awards judges have understood The Horton’s impact both for local audiences and for the small-scale touring sector.”
Theatres Trust is the national advisory public body for theatres which counts Jude Law, Lenny Henry and Elaine Page amongst its high-profile ambassadors.
Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust, said: “These spaces have a new life as thriving theatres that support artists and communities in coming together, breathing new life into derelict spaces. Our judges had an incredibly hard time selecting the finalists. I want to extend my congratulations to every one of them. We can’t wait to celebrate our Great British Theatres in style this November.”
The Horton’s first ever theatre performance in December 2021 was a festive show for younger children, ‘The Elf Factory’ from Epsom-based aerial theatre company Hikapee – a pilot run before works began on the café-bar and the venue fully opened in April 2022. This followed transformative capital works supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Stuart McLeod, the Heritage Fund’s Director of England – London & South, said:
“We’re delighted to see The Horton receive such well-deserved recognition for the difference this extraordinary venue is making – not only to Epsom’s arts scene and its communities, but to the whole cultural life of the UK. With the support of National Lottery players, what was once a semi-derelict chapel is now a welcoming hub of creativity and community, with a celebration of its rich and unique heritage at its heart.”
The Horton now welcomes more than 30,000 people through its doors each year and has hosted many acclaimed and sold-out events – from captivating drama and thought-provoking solo shows to outdoor theatre performed inside an 18m inflatable whale.
Upcoming Theatre At The Horton
Discover fantastic shows this season:
- Monstering The Rocketman 25 September
- Down To Chance 16 October
- Of Mice & Men 20 November
- Christmas Gothic 8 December
For children and families:
- Adventures of An Ugly Duckling 24 September, ages 0-5 years.
- The Hideout 17 October, ages 4-8 years.
- Three Little Pigs 23 October, ages 0-5 years.
- The Shivers 27 October, ages 7 -11 years.
- A Tale of Us 19 November, ages 0-18 months.
- The Night before Christmas 17 December, ages 0-5 years.
The Horton is an independent not-for-profit venue, managed by a registered charity, the Horton Chapel Arts & Heritage Society.
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