Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre Recognised for Community Contribution

That the Parliament recognises Glasgow’s iconic Citizens Theatre, affectionately known as The Citz, for being honoured at the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals, which was recorded in Manchester in January 2026; notes that executive director Kate Denby was recognised as a Local Theatre Hero for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the theatre’s work in the community, and that she was interviewed on stage by comedian Jason Manford and presenter Gaby Roslin before an audience of 12,000; further notes that the theatre has been a cornerstone of the Gorbals since 1945, and that its historic building, dating back to 1878, recently underwent a major redevelopment, reopening in August 2025 with a new foyer, upgraded social areas, enhanced accessibility and improved facilities for performers and creatives; acknowledges that since 1995, the Citizens Theatre has received over £11 million in National Lottery funding, supporting redevelopment, creative outreach, heritage programmes and initiatives to make theatre accessible to all; recognises the theatre’s ongoing commitment to educational and community engagement, including workshops, youth theatre projects and outreach programmes that provide opportunities for young people, local residents and diverse communities to participate in and experience the arts; notes that the theatre was featured as one of seven organisations in the National Lottery’s Because of You series, fronted by Claudia Winkleman, highlighting the positive impact of National Lottery funding on communities across the UK; further notes that the recognition and awards will be showcased on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Local Radio’s Make a Difference Show, providing a platform to share the story of the theatre’s creative work and its role in strengthening community engagement, and congratulates the Citizens Theatre, its staff, performers, volunteers and community partners on this well-deserved recognition and for their continuing commitment to fostering creativity, promoting inclusion and ensuring that theatre remains accessible and inspiring to audiences across Glasgow and beyond.