We’re absolutely delighted to share the news that The Wardrobe Theatre has been named Best Performing Arts Venue at the inaugural Bristol Legends Awards 2026 this weekend, a new awards night created by Bristol 24/7 to champion independent businesses, innovators, community leaders and creatives in the city. At a glitzy awards ceremony at Ashton Gate stadium hosted by Jayde Adams, Matthew, Chris and Aisha represented the theatre and were thrilled to scoop the award!
This recognition means a huge amount to us. As we mark 10 years of The Wardrobe Theatre in Old Market, it feels like a particularly special moment to celebrate the community that has grown around the venue and the artists, audiences, collaborators and supporters who have made the last decade possible. Since opening our doors, our aim has always been to create a community-driven theatre where anything can happen. From parent-and-baby daytime comedy to boundary-pushing Christmas shows, puppetry, music, spoken word, kids’ theatre, improv nights – our programme has always tried to reflect the wonderfully diverse creativity of Bristol.
Thank you to everyone who nominated us! Here are some of your kind words:
“The Wardrobe Theatre is out the closet, in your face, clever, beautiful, surprising and sensitive. They are promoting, supporting and nurturing everything there is to celebrate about performing arts and is enjoyed by the greatest cross section of theatre goes anywhere. There is something for everyone, even if they didn’t know they needed it in advance!”
“I nominate The Wardrobe Theatre for providing excellent, diverse and affordable theatre over so many years.”
We want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who nominated and voted, and to the incredible artists and creatives who have trusted us with their work over the years. Here’s to the next chapter!
