SOLT & UK Theatre’s Executive Director of Audience and Commercial, Emma D’Souza and Former UK Theatre Joint President, Jon Gilchrist, have been awarded MBEs in the King’s New Year Honours list 2026 for their services to British theatre.
Emma D’Souza has dedicated over twenty-five years to the theatre sector through her work at the Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, campaigning to build new audiences and make theatre more accessible. In 1998, she founded and launched Kids Week, an initiative which has seen over 2.5 million families introduce their children to theatre for free. Every year, Emma collaborates with Westminster City Council to deliver West End LIVE a free weekend of theatre performances for the public which attracts audience of 70,000 people to Trafalgar Square every June.
In addition, Emma is the Executive Producer of the Olivier Awards and in 2023 worked in collaboration with disability action groups to ensure the event is accessible to all. The ceremony, broadcast to the UK and across the globe, is a showcase of our world-leading sector and its creative achievements.
Fundamental to the recovery post-pandemic, Emma delivered the industry wide Back On Stage national campaign, alongside the See It Safely protocol, to encourage live audiences back into theatres. She worked tirelessly during the period ensuring that the industry received daily communication and advice in navigating the ever-changing situation. She additionally collaborated with photographer Rankin on Performance by Rankin, a landmark exhibition and book celebrating the talent and resilience of London’s Theatreland.
Jon Gilchrist has worked tirelessly on behalf of his local community to create sustainable pathways for creative talent in the region. Under Jon’s leadership and five-year strategic plan, the Hippodrome has launched the UK’s first in house department for New Musical Theatre and a New Work & Artist Development department, enabling more artists to create work in the West Midlands. The theatre’s Hippodrome Education Network reaches over 30,000 young people a year, providing an essential first point of engagement with culture for schools in some of the most deprived areas of Birmingham.
He was also Joint President of UK Theatre 2022-2025. As Joint President of UK Theatre (alongside Stephanie Sirr MBE) Jon was instrumental in the recovery of the UK theatre community post-pandemic, successfully lobbying for the continuation of Theatre Tax Relief, a lifeline to the sector which has supported touring theatre and ensured there are more new shows in production across the country.
In recent months Jon has been appointed to the Creative Industries Council and as a National Council Member for Arts Council England.
SOLT & UK Theatre Co-CEOs Claire Walker and Hannah Essex said:
“We are thrilled that Emma and Jon have been recognised for their profound and far-reaching contribution to British theatre. It has been an honour to work so closely with both of them during our tenure as Co-CEOs, and they are a true asset to our organisations.
“Emma has steadfastly championed the sector with professionalism, grace and resilience. Her impact on the theatre industry, in particular for those who have been able to access theatre for the first time, is truly inspirational.”
“The extraordinary success Jon has achieved in his local community, and for the recovery of the industry, has been astonishing. Through his leadership and tireless advocacy, he has helped shape a more dynamic and accessible theatre industry for the Midlands.
Emma D’Souza said:
“I am truly humbled to receive this honour for doing a job that I love and for championing an industry that I care so deeply about. It has been a privilege to serve my members and introduce so many people to the magic of live theatre.
“Over the years, I have collaborated with so many inspiring partners and individuals, and could not have achieved any of this without the wonderful team – past and present – at the Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre.”
Jon Gilchrist said:
“I am extremely humbled to be recognised with an MBE. I have had the privilege to learn from, and work alongside, a huge number of extraordinary people throughout my career. This award is dedicated to so many friends and colleagues, especially those at Birmingham Hippodrome, for their inspiring commitment to the transformative power of theatre.”
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