The Stage Debut Awards
![The Stage Debut Awards The Stage Debut Awards](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/318/debut-awards-transparent1.png)
THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2024
The voting for Best West End Debut Performer is now open
Click here to choose your winner!
The Stage Debut Awards, in association with ATG Entertainment, are the only awards dedicated to
recognising breakthrough theatre talent from all backgrounds.
We are thrilled to celebrate another year of incredible actors and creatives at a glittering ceremony that will take place on Sunday, September 29 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London.
The fabulous Divina De Campo will return as the night’s host, so
expect laughter, tears, performances, surprises - and everything in between!
The shortlist for 2024 has been revealed, and you can read the full article here. Nominees include Elvis Costello for composing Cold War at the Almeida Theatre, Taylor Russell for her leading role in The Effect at the National Theatre, Jeevan Braich for his role in Starlight Express at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre and Martha Loader for writing Bindweed at the Mercury Theatre.
Awards Step
Timeline
May 23, 2024: Public submissions open for The Stage Debut Awards
June 30, 2024: Submissions close for The Stage Debut Awards
July, 2024: Debuts made before July 17, 2024 will be considered, providing nominations are submitted by June 30. No debuts made after July 17 will be eligible for this year's ceremony, but will be eligible for 2025.
End of July, 2024: The Stage Debut Awards’ judging panel meets
August, 2024: Shortlist announced and voting opens for the Best West End Debut Performer award
September, 2024: Voting closes for the Best West End Debut Performer award & winners announced at an awards ceremony
The Stage Debut Awards categories are:
Best Performer in a Play
Best Performer in a Musical
Best Director
Best Designer
Best Writer
Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer
Best West End Debut Performer
Best Creative West End Debut
Sponsor opportunities
![Sponsor copy Sponsor copy](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/193/Debuts-holding-pic-c-Alex-Brenner_Standard.jpg)
Help us create a legacy and offer new talent better opportunities for the future.
We have a number of sponsor opportunities available here for The Stage Debut Awards.
From sole sponsorship of a specific category to a supportive role for the awards as a whole, all sponsors will gain vital exposure for your business and help support home-grown, emerging talent.
To find out more contact Sales manager, sarah.dumay@thestage.co.uk
Watch the 2023 highlights here
I love The Stage Debut Awards. It feels both genuinely celebratory and useful to recognise people’s talent at the start of their careers. There are plenty of awards which heap praise on the already successful, but The Stage Debut Awards are unique in giving a helping hand to those joining the profession. It has been a privilege to be part of the team helping to select the winners
Lyn Gardner, Associate Editor
Get Involved
Attend the ceremony
You can support the awards by purchasing a ticket and celebrating with us on the night! Please note - it is free to enter a submission for the The Stage Debut Awards, and nominees and their guests receive a complimentary invitation to the ceremony. To purchase a ticket to attend the event, please email debuts@thestage.co.uk.
Champion
Get involved online and share your excitement for the #DebutAwards on social media! If you have ideas on how you could support and help promote The Stage Debut Awards, we would love to hear from you.
Sponsor
Gain vital exposure for your business and help support emerging talent by sponsoring a category. Contact sarah.dumay@thestage.co.uk for more details.
Email: debuts@thestage.co.uk
Call: 020 7939 8468
#DebutAwards
![News 3 News 3](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/318/Amewudah-Rivers-Francesca-Headshot1_Standard.jpg)
The Stage Debut Awards 2024: Elvis Costello and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers among nominees
The nominees for The Stage Debut Awards 2024 have been revealed! Read the full article here.
![News 4 News 4](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/315/Divina-De-Campo-debut-awards1_Standard.jpg)
Divina De Campo returns to host The Stage Debut Awards 2024
Drag artist and performer Divina De Campo is set to host the awards for the second year running, having made her debut leading last year’s ceremony. Read the full article here.
![News 1 News 1](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/310/8-c-David-Monteith-Hodge---Photographise---please-credit--_Standard.jpg)
The Stage Debut Awards returns for eighth year in September
The Stage Debut Awards 2024 are returning on Sunday, September 29, and submissions are now open. Read the full article here.
![News 2 News 2](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/293/Debuts_23_Winners_Portrait_-_1200_x_780px_Standard.png)
The Stage Debut Awards 2023: meet our winners
Learn more about the winners of The Stage Debut Awards 2023. Read the full article here.
The Stage Debut Awards JudgesView All
![Alistair Smith Alistair Smith](/AcuCustom/Sitename/Users/C0A79C05-969F-53B4-91DB57A8ED162035/C0A79C05-969F-53B4-91DB57A8ED162035p.jpg?cdn=dt07172023095416)
Alistair Smith
![Sam Marlowe Sam Marlowe](/AcuCustom/Sitename/Users/1B451B7D-B9E5-A710-B2252CA03BE1A2BB/1B451B7D-B9E5-A710-B2252CA03BE1A2BBp.jpg?cdn=dt07172023095451)
Sam Marlowe
![Baz Bamigboye Baz Bamigboye](/AcuCustom/Sitename/Users/6A116F16-CBC5-07C4-B2C387FF5E6156FD/6A116F16-CBC5-07C4-B2C387FF5E6156FDp.jpg?cdn=dt07172023095242)
Baz Bamigboye
![Dominic Cavendish Dominic Cavendish](/AcuCustom/Sitename/Users/DE536C5C-042A-B674-C947FCB2EEABF37C/DE536C5C-042A-B674-C947FCB2EEABF37Cp.jpg?cdn=dt07172023095326)
Dominic Cavendish
![Holly Williams Holly Williams](/AcuCustom/Sitename/Users/E25C0F19-9C94-E9CA-0690D71FD6CAEF0E/E25C0F19-9C94-E9CA-0690D71FD6CAEF0Ep.jpg?cdn=dt)
Holly Williams
![Dave Fargnoli Dave Fargnoli](/AcuCustom/Sitename/Users/DE67E4C4-A7E7-2BDF-D23AD7A008F27F9B/DE67E4C4-A7E7-2BDF-D23AD7A008F27F9Bp.jpg?cdn=dt)
Dave Fargnoli
The Stage Debut Awards Headline SponsorView All
The Stage Debut Awards SponsorsView All
The Stage Debut Awards SupportersView All
The Stage Debut Awards Goody Bag SponsorView All
The Stage Debut Awards Goody Bag SuppliersView All
The Stage Debut Awards Judges
![Alistair Smith Alistair Smith](/AcuCustom/Sitename/Users/C0A79C05-969F-53B4-91DB57A8ED162035/C0A79C05-969F-53B4-91DB57A8ED162035p.jpg?cdn=dt07172023095416)
Alistair Smith
![Sam Marlowe Sam Marlowe](/AcuCustom/Sitename/Users/1B451B7D-B9E5-A710-B2252CA03BE1A2BB/1B451B7D-B9E5-A710-B2252CA03BE1A2BBp.jpg?cdn=dt07172023095451)
Sam Marlowe
![Baz Bamigboye Baz Bamigboye](/AcuCustom/Sitename/Users/6A116F16-CBC5-07C4-B2C387FF5E6156FD/6A116F16-CBC5-07C4-B2C387FF5E6156FDp.jpg?cdn=dt07172023095242)
Baz Bamigboye
![Dominic Cavendish Dominic Cavendish](/AcuCustom/Sitename/Users/DE536C5C-042A-B674-C947FCB2EEABF37C/DE536C5C-042A-B674-C947FCB2EEABF37Cp.jpg?cdn=dt07172023095326)
Dominic Cavendish
![Holly Williams Holly Williams](/AcuCustom/Sitename/Users/E25C0F19-9C94-E9CA-0690D71FD6CAEF0E/E25C0F19-9C94-E9CA-0690D71FD6CAEF0Ep.jpg?cdn=dt)
Holly Williams
Holly O'Mahony
![Dave Fargnoli Dave Fargnoli](/AcuCustom/Sitename/Users/DE67E4C4-A7E7-2BDF-D23AD7A008F27F9B/DE67E4C4-A7E7-2BDF-D23AD7A008F27F9Bp.jpg?cdn=dt)
Dave Fargnoli
About
What are The Stage Debut Awards?
The Stage Debut Awards are the only theatre awards dedicated to recognising individuals making their professional debuts in the performing arts in the UK.
The annual ceremony was launched in 2017 by The Stage and include accolades for Best Performer in a Play, Best Writer, Best Designer and the Best West End Debut Performer. Recipients of these awards have gone on to star in West End shows, win Oliviers and Tonys and appear in television series and films.
The awards ceremony is held annually at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London.
When are The Stage Debut Awards and can I attend?
The Stage Debut Awards will take place on Sunday, September 29 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BY.
Tickets are now available to purchase - for more information please email debuts@thestage.co.uk
For those attending - details of the event:
5.30pm - Doors & drinks reception
6.30pm - Dinner
8.00pm - Awards ceremony
9.30pm - Dessert, DJ & dancing
11.30pm - Carriages
The ceremony includes a 3 course meal, live performances and dancing!
Am I eligible for a Debut Award?
Anyone who has made their professional debut between July 18, 2023 and July 17, 2024 can be submitted.
Nominees must have made their debuts in their first professional appearance in a named role (if performer) or credit (if creative role) in a production reviewed by The Stage (previous appearances in ensemble roles or as an understudy do not disqualify you from consideration).
The Stage’s nationwide network of theatre critics put forward nominees from productions they have reviewed. Performers, writers, directors, designers and composers making their stage debut (and their agents) are also able to submit themselves online for consideration.
The public can also submit individuals for each category.
The Best Creative West End Debut category includes but is not limited to composers, lyricists, writers, designers, directors, casting directors, fight directors, intimacy directors & coordinators.
There is more information on eligibility here.
Read more about the 2024 shortlist here.
Can I enter a submission more than once and for different categories?
You can enter yourself or someone else across all and any categories.
Submissions only need to be entered once per category to be considered.
Every submission, regardless of the amount of entries it has, is assessed equally and fairly by the judging panel.
Submissions are now closed.
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
The Stage Debut Awards could not happen without the generous support from our sponsors.
If you are interested in being a sponsor in 2024 please contact Sales manager, sarah.dumay@thestage.co.uk or download the media pack here.
ATG Entertainment
headline sponsor
ATG Entertainment is a world leader in live entertainment. Our portfolio of venues includes historic theatres, studio theatres, cinemas, conference spaces, and live music arenas. ATG Entertainment own, operate or programme 64 of the world’s most iconic venues across the UK, the US and Germany, each year entertaining over 18 million audience members.
Through our in-house Production companies and working closely with top producers and promoters ATG presents over 15,000 live performances every year.
ATG also owns a leading ticketing platform, with ATGtickets.com attracting than 40 million unique visitors annually. www.atgentertainment.com
Arts Council England
sponsor of Best Director
ACE are the national development agency for creativity and culture. We have set out our strategic vision in Let's Create that by 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high-quality cultural experiences. We invest public money from Government and The National Lottery to help support the sector and to deliver this vision. www.artscouncil.org.uk
Crossroads Live
sponsor of Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer
At Crossroads Live we are passionate about theatrical entertainment so are proud to sponsor The Stage Debut Awards.
With offices in the UK, Australia, and North America, Crossroads Live is one of the world's leading producers of musical theatre, pantomime, and immersive experiences. We have presented over 500 productions, seen by millions, in over 40 countries, working in partnership with the world's leading creators, rightsholders and promoters. In 2023 we will produce or co-produce more than 50 musicals, plays, and pantomimes.
Crossroads Live, connecting with audiences worldwide. www.xroadslive.com
Michael Harrison Entertainment
sponsor of Best Performer in a Musical
Michael Harrison’s West End musicals include: The Little Big Things (@sohoplace); Crazy For You (Gillian Lynne); The Wizard of Oz (The London Palladium); Oklahoma! (Wyndham’s); The Drifters Girl (Garrick); two seasons of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (The London Palladium); Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein (Garrick); Gypsy (Savoy) and The Bodyguard (Adelphi and Dominion). With Andrew Lloyd Webber for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals: Sunset Boulevard (Savoy) starring Nicole Scherzinger. Later this year, Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre and Sunset Boulevard will transfer to Broadway.
Upcoming 2024 productions include: Hello, Dolly! starring Imelda Staunton (The London Palladium); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Donny Osmond (Edinburgh Playhouse); War Horse (UK Tour). Michael’s London Palladium pantomimes: Peter Pan, Jack and the Beanstalk, Pantoland, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Snow White, Dick Whittington and Cinderella, have proved to be huge popular hits, with Dick Whittington winning the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and Family. www.michaelharrisonentertainment.com
Noël Coward Foundation
sponsor of Best West End Debut Performer
One hundred years ago, Noёl Coward debuted as a playwright in the West End at the age of twenty, and was hailed as a significant new talent. Throughout his life, Coward took an interest in and mentored up-and-coming artists across the industry, so to mark this centenary The Noёl Coward Foundation is celebrating today’s emerging theatre-makers by sponsoring this award in his name.
The Noël Coward Foundation was set up in 2000 and awards grants to education and development projects across the Arts while also continues the keen interest Coward himself took in charitable work during his lifetime. The Foundation is proud to support a diverse range of outstanding organisations working in theatre, music, playwriting, academic research and many other areas. www.noelcoward.com
Preevue
sponsor of Best Designer
Preevue is a leading provider of LiDAR laser scanning and 3D CAD visualisation for theatre, live events, and media & entertainment.
Their services include laser scanning, the creation of 3D Digital Twins, theatre production visualisation, and bespoke box office views-from-seats. Preevue produce architecturally and visually accurate 3D CAD models of venues and set designs that enable creative and production teams to work in digital replicas, minimising time needed on-site and reducing the need for travel.
Preevue clients include ATG Entertainment, LW Theatres, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, the Royal Opera House, Disney, the National Theatre, Barbican Centre, the RSC, and English National Opera. Outside of theatre, media & entertainment clients include NBCUniversal, Paramount and Disney. www.preevue.com
Sonia Friedman Productions
sponsor of Best Writer
SONIA FRIEDMAN PRODUCTIONS is an international production company responsible for some of the most successful theatre productions in London and New York. SONIA FRIEDMAN PRODUCTIONS has developed, initiated and been lead producer of over 180 new productions and together the company has been responsible for winning 58 Olivier Awards, 34 Tonys and 3 BAFTAs. Current productions include: The Book of Mormon, West End and UK and Europe tour, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, London, New York, Melbourne, San Francisco, Hamburg, Toronto and Tokyo, Funny Girl, New York, Dreamgirls UK tour. Forthcoming productions include: Eureka Day, London; Merrily We Roll Along, New York; The Doctor, UK tour and London; The Piano Lesson, New York; Leopoldstadt, New York. www.soniafriedman.com
Theatrical Rights Worldwide
sponsor of Best Performer in a Play
With headquarters in New York and London, and offices in numerous countries, Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW) is a globally recognised, leading plays and musicals licensing company, representing popular favourites from Broadway (Tony Award® winners), West End (Olivier Award winners), Off-Broadway, and regional theatres.
Working on behalf of writers, TRW grants live-stage production rights to a wide range of professional, amateur, and school customers. Our plays and musicals suit all groups and range from the standard full-length Broadway Editions to our expertly crafted School Editions, 60-minute Young@Part Editions, 30-minute Younger@Part Editions, and much more. Visit www.theatricalrights.co.uk for your next show!
Trafalgar Entertainment
sponsor of Best Creative West End Debut
Trafalgar Entertainment is a live entertainment business and home to Trafalgar Studios, Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Trafalgar Releasing (formerly Picturehouse Entertainment) and Stagecoach Performing Arts. It is the latest venture from Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire OBE – two of the most influential entertainment entrepreneurs of the last 20 years. The production arm of the company, Trafalgar Theatre Productions, is producing a group of new shows and classic musicals in London and internationally. Trafalgar Entertainment has a particular interest in nurturing new creative talent and is delighted to be supporting this event. www.trafalgarentertainment.com/
Previous Winners
The Stage Debut Awards winners
![Best Performer in a Play 2023 Best Performer in a Play 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/292/Winners_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS8000_nh_s_Thumb.jpg)
Best Performer in a Play
Sponsored by Cabbells
WINNER:
Elan Davies for Imrie at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
Also shortlisted:
Bukky Bakray for Sleepova at Bush Theatre, London
Rita Bernard-Shaw for Trouble in Butetown at Donmar Warehouse, London
Natalie Blair for Spring and Port Wine at Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Rhian Blundell for Let the Right One In at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran for The Importance of Being Earnest at Leeds Playhouse and touring
Daniel Rock for Richard The Second at Omnibus Theatre, London and touring
![Best Performer in a Play 2023 Best Performer in a Play 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/292/Winners_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS8180-nh_s_Thumb.jpg)
Best Performer in a Play
Sponsored by Cabbells
WINNER:
Isobel Thom for I, Joan at Shakespeare's Globe, London
Also shortlisted:
Bukky Bakray for Sleepova at Bush Theatre, London
Rita Bernard-Shaw for Trouble in Butetown at Donmar Warehouse, London
Natalie Blair for Spring and Port Wine at Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Rhian Blundell for Let the Right One In at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran for The Importance of Being Earnest at Leeds Playhouse and touring
Daniel Rock for Richard The Second at Omnibus Theatre, London and touring
![Best Performer in a Musical 2023 Best Performer in a Musical 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/292/Winners_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS8033-nh_s_Thumb.jpg)
Best Performer in a Musical
sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line
WINNER:
Jessica Lee for Miss Saigon at Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Also shortlisted:
Liv Andrusier for Ride at Charing Cross Theatre, London
Josh Barnett for Newsies at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London
Arcangelo Ciulla for Newsies at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London
Carla Dixon-Hernandez for Mrs Doubtfire at Shaftesbury Theatre, London
Drew Hylton for Unexpected Twist: An Oliver Twisted Tale at Royal and Derngate, Northampton and touring
Maisie Smith for Strictly Ballroom the Musical, Churchill Theatre, Bromley and touring
![Best Director 2023 Best Director 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/292/Winners_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS8093-nh_s_Thumb.jpg)
Best Director
Sponsored by Arts Council England
WINNER:
Emily Ling Williams for A Playlist for the Revolution at Bush Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Daniel Blake for Bones at Park Theatre, London
Indiana Lown-Collins for The Solid Life of Sugar Water at Orange Tree Theatre, London
Denzel Westley-Sanderson for The Importance of Being Earnest at Leeds Playhouse and touring
![Best Designer 2023 Best Designer 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/292/Andrea-Scott-Headshot_Thumb.jpg)
Best Designer
Sponsored by Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL
WINNER:
Andrea Scott (video) for My Neighbour Totoro at Barbican Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Carly Brownbridge (set & costume) for Agatha at Theatre503, London
Peter Butler (set & costume) for The Shape of Things at Park Theatre, London
![Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer 2023 Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/292/Winners_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS8024-nh_s_Thumb.jpg)
Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer
Sponsored by Crossroads Live
WINNER:
Michael R Jackson for A Strange Loop at Barbican Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Gerel Falconer for Alice in Wonderland at Brixton House, London
Jenny Moore for Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London
Lilly Pollard for Sugar Coat at Southwark Playhouse, London
![Best Writer 2023 Best Writer 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/292/Winners_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS8125-nh_s2_Thumb.jpg)
Best Writer
sponsored by Sonia Friedman Productions
WINNER:
Anoushka Lucas for Elephant at Bush Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Sasha Hails for Possession at Arcola Theatre, London
Lenny Henry for August in England at Bush Theatre, London
Jennifer Lunn for Es & Flo at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Richard Mylan for Sorter at Swansea Grand Theatre
Zak Zarafshan for The Boys Are Kissing at Theatre503, London
![Best West End Debut Performer 2023 Best West End Debut Performer 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/292/Winners_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7975_Thumb.jpg)
Best West End Debut Performer
Sponsored by TodayTix
WINNER:
Rose Ayling-Ellis for As You Like It at @sohoplace
Also shortlisted:
Emily Fairn for Brokeback Mountain at @sohoplace
Mike Faist for Brokeback Mountain at @sohoplace
Kyle Ramar Freeman for A Strange Loop at Barbican Theatre
Gabriel Howell for The Unfriend at Criterion Theatre
Paul Mescal for A Streetcar Named Desire at Phoenix Theatre
Zachary Quinto for Best of Enemies at Noël Coward Theatre
Samira Wiley for Blues for an Alabama Sky at National Theatre
![Best Creative West End Debut 2023 Best Creative West End Debut 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/292/Winners_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS8051-nh_s_Thumb.jpg)
Best Creative West End Debut
sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment
WINNER:
Tingying Dong (Sound Designer) for The Crucible at National Theatre and Gielgud Theatre
Shortlisted:
Joe Bunker (Musical Director) for Operation Mincemeat at Fortune Theatre
David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts (SpitLip) (Composer, Lyricist & Book Writer) for Operation Mincemeat at Fortune Theatre
Michael R Jackson (Composer, Lyricist & Book Writer) for A Strange Loop at Barbican Theatre
Scott Le Crass (Director) for Rose at Ambassadors Theatre
![Best Creative West End Debut 2023 Best Creative West End Debut 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/292/Winners_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS8213-nh_s_Thumb.jpg)
Best Creative West End Debut
sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment
WINNER:
Rob Madge (Writer) for My Son's a Queer, (But What Can You Do?) at Garrick Theatre and Ambassadors Theatre
Shortlisted:
Joe Bunker (Musical Director) for Operation Mincemeat at Fortune Theatre
David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts (SpitLip) (Composer, Lyricist & Book Writer) for Operation Mincemeat at Fortune Theatre
Michael R Jackson (Composer, Lyricist & Book Writer) for A Strange Loop at Barbican Theatre
Scott Le Crass (Director) for Rose at Ambassadors Theatre
Nominees and Winners 2022
![Best Performer in a Play 2022 Best Performer in a Play 2022](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/255/PerformerInAPlayWinners.png)
Best Performer in a Play
WINNERS:
Elisabeth Gunawan for Unforgettable Girl at Voila! Europe Theatre Festival, London
Ensemble of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy
at the New Diorama and Royal Court, London (Mark Akintimehin, Emmanuel Akwafo,
Nnabiko Ejimofor, Darragh Hand, Aruna Jalloh, Kaine Lawrence)
Also shortlisted:
Samuel Creasey for Book of Dust at Bridge Theatre, London
Kudzai Mangombe for Malindadzimu at Hampstead Theatre, London
Saba Shiraz for An Adventure at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Tommy Sim’aan for Starcrossed at Wilton's Music Hall, London
Joe Usher for Rock / Paper / Scissors at Sheffield Theatres
Michael Workeye for House of Ife at the Bush Theatre, London
Dewi Wykes for Petula at National Theatre Wales
![Best Performer in a Musical 2022 Best Performer in a Musical 2022](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/255/c-Alex-Brenner-The-Stage-Debut-Awards-2022-_1DC9853_dx.jpg)
Best Performer in a Musical
sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line
WINNER:
Elijah Ferreira for Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Leeds Playhouse
Also shortlisted:
Hugh Coles for Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theatre, London
Ben Joyce for Jersey Boys at Trafalgar Theatre, London
Bella Maclean for Spring Awakening at the Almeida, London
Joe Pitts for Spring Awakening at the Almeida, London
![Best Director 2022 Best Director 2022](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/255/c-Alex-Brenner-The-Stage-Debut-Awards-2022-_1DC9777_dx_Standard.jpg)
Best Director
sponsored by Theatredor
WINNER:
Monique Touko for Malindadzimu at Hampstead Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Anthony Almeida for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at Curve, Leicester
Alice Fitzgerald for Purple Snowflakes and Titty Wanks at the Royal Court, London
![Best Designer 2022 Best Designer 2022](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/255/c-Alex-Brenner-The-Stage-Debut-Awards-2022-_1DC9984_dx.jpg)
Best Designer
WINNER:
TK Hay (set and costume) for An Adventure at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Also shortlisted:
Caitlin Mawhinney (set and costume) for My Voice Was Heard But It Was Ignored /
Teechers Leavers at Leeds Playhouse/Hull Truck
Liz Whitbread (set and costume) for Favour at the Bush Theatre, London
![Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer 2022 Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer 2022](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/255/20220613_PETE_MILLSON_2693_Little-Unsaid_COLOUR87.jpg)
Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer
WINNER:
John Patrick Elliott for Cruise at the Duchess Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Jordan Paul Clarke & Francesca Forristal for Public Domain at Vaudeville Theatre, London
Lauryn Redding for Bloody Elle at the Royal Exchange, Manchester
![Best Writer 2022 Best Writer 2022](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/255/c-Alex-Brenner-The-Stage-Debut-Awards-2022-_1DC9952_dx-Edit.jpg)
Best Writer
sponsored by Sonia Friedman Productions
WINNER:
Tyrell Williams for Red Pitch at the Bush Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Kemi-Bo Jacobs for All White Everything But Me at the Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle
Eilidh Loan for Moorcroft at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow
![Best West End Debut Performer 2022 Best West End Debut Performer 2022](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/255/Jodie-Comer_Headshot.jpg)
Best West End Debut Performer
WINNER:
Jodie Comer for Prima Facie the Harold Pinter Theatre
Also shortlisted:
Lizzie Annis for The Glass Menagerie at Duke of York's Theatre
Emilia Clarke for The Seagull the Harold Pinter Theatre
Hugh Coles for Back to the Future the Musical at Adelphi Theatre
Emma Corrin for Anna X the Harold Pinter Theatre
Sutton Foster for Anything Goes at the Barbican
Hannah Jarrett-Scott for Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) at the Criterion
Ben Joyce for Jersey Boys at Trafalgar Studios
![Best Creative West End Debut 2022 Best Creative West End Debut 2022](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/255/c-Alex-Brenner-The-Stage-Debut-Awards-2022-_1DC9816_dx.jpg)
Best Creative West End Debut
sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment
WINNER:
Julia Cheng (choreographer) for Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre, London
Shortlisted:
Tacita Dean (designer) for The Dante Project at the Royal Opera House
Jack Holden (writer) for Cruise at the Duchess Theatre
Yasmin Joseph (writer) for J'Ouvert at the Harold Pinter Theatre
Isobel McArthur (writer) for Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) at the Criterion
Rebekah Murrell (director) for J'Ouvert at the Harold Pinter Theatre
Nominees and winners 2020
![Nominees and winners 2020 Nominees and winners 2020](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/195/Best_Performer_in_a_Play_winners_2020.jpg)
Best Performer in a Play
Sponsored by Audible
WINNERS:
Daniel Monks for Teenage Dick at the Donmar Warehouse, London
Rachel Nwokoro for Little Baby Jesus at the Orange Tree Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Saida Ahmed for Little Miss Burden at the Bunker, London
Katie Erich for Oliver Twist at Leeds Playhouse (in a co-production with Ramps on the Moon)
Brooklyn Melvin for Oliver Twist at Leeds Playhouse (in a co-production with Ramps on the Moon)
Jessica Rhodes for The Sugar Syndrome at the Orange Tree Theatre, London
Khai Shaw for Little Baby Jesus at the Orange Tree Theatre, London
Bobby Stallwood for Faith, Hope and Charity at the National Theatre, London
![Best Performer in a Musical 2020 Best Performer in a Musical 2020](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/195/Best_Performer_in_a_Musical_winners_2020.jpg)
Best Performer in a Musical
WINNERS:
Shan Ako for Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre, London
Sam Tutty for Dear Evan Hansen at the Noël Coward Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Lucy Anderson for Dear Evan Hansen at the Noël Coward Theatre, London
Chase Brown for Mame at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Oli Higginson for The Last Five Years at the Southwark Playhouse, London
Adriana Ivelisse for West Side Story at Curve, Leicester
Tom Noyes for Preludes at the Southwark Playhouse, London
Bethany Tennick for Islander at the Southwark Playhouse, London
![Best Director 2020 Best Director 2020](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/195/Martha_Kiss_Perrone.jpg)
Best Director
Sponsored by Smith & Williamson
WINNER: Martha Kiss Perrone for When It Breaks It Burns at the Battersea Arts Centre, London
Also shortlisted:
Georgia Green for The Mikvah Project at the Orange Tree Theatre, London
Alex Sutton for Preludes at the Southwark Playhouse, London
![Best Designer 2020 Best Designer 2020](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/195/Rose_Revitt.jpg)
Best Designer
Sponsored by Robe Lighting
WINNER: Rose Revitt (set and costume) for Dr Korczak’s Example at Leeds Playhouse
Also shortlisted:
Liam Bunster (set and costume) for The Taming of the Shrew at Shakespeare’s Globe, London
Andrew Exeter (lighting) for High Fidelity at the Turbine Theatre, London
![Best Composer or Lyricist 2020 Best Composer or Lyricist 2020](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/195/Jim_Barne__Kit_Buchan.jpg)
Best Composer or Lyricist
WINNER: Jim Barne and Kit Buchan for The Season at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich and Royal and Derngate, Northampton
Also shortlisted:
Jherek Bischoff for The Ocean at the End of the Lane at the National Theatre, London
Robbie Williams for The Boy in the Dress at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon
![Best Writer 2020 Best Writer 2020](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/195/Temi_Wilkey_-_Best_Writer_2020.jpg)
Best Writer
WINNER: Temi Wilkey for The High Table at the Bush Theatre, London (in a co-production with Birmingham Rep)
Also shortlisted:
Samuel Bailey for Shook at the Southwark Playhouse, London
Mari Izzard for Hela at The Other Room, Cardiff
Eleanor Tindall for Before I Was a Bear at The Bunker, London
![Best West End Debut Performer 2020 Best West End Debut Performer 2020](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/195/Sam_Tutty.jpg)
Best West End Debut Performer
sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment
WINNER: Sam Tutty for Dear Evan Hansen at the Noël Coward Theatre
Also shortlisted:
Shan Ako for Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre
David Mitchell for The Upstart Crow at the Gielgud Theatre
Daniel Monks for Teenage Dick at the Donmar Warehouse
Samantha Pauly for Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Wendell Pierce for Death of a Salesman at the Piccadilly Theatre
Aimee Lou Wood for Uncle Vanya at the Harold Pinter Theatre
![Best Creative West End Debut 2020 Best Creative West End Debut 2020](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/195/Femi_Temowo_-_Best_Creative_West_End_Debut.jpg)
Best Creative West End Debut
sponsored by the Noël Coward Foundation
WINNER: Femi Temowo (composer) for Death of a Salesman at the Piccadilly Theatre and for Three Sisters at the National Theatre
Also shortlisted:
Fabian Aloise (choreographer) for Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Nadia Latif (director) for Fairview at the Young Vic Theatre
Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Steven Levenson (composer, lyricist & book) for Dear Evan Hansen at the Noël Coward Theatre
David West Read (book) for & Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre
Nominees and winners 2019
![Nominees and winners 2019 Nominees and winners 2019](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Awards_-_Lauren_OLeary.jpg)
Best Actress in a Play
Sponsored by Audible
WINNER: Lauren O’Leary for The Awkward Years at the Other Room, Cardiff
Also shortlisted:
Liv Hill for Top Girls at the National Theatre, London
Urielle Klein-Mekongo for Yvette at the Bush Theatre, London
Bea Webster for Mother Courage at the Albion Electric Warehouse, Leeds
![Best Actor in a Play 2019 Best Actor in a Play 2019](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Jamal_Ajala.jpg)
Best Actor in a Play
Sponsored by Audible
WINNER: Jamal Ajala for Ear for Eye at the Royal Court, London
Also shortlisted:
Stuart Campbell for The Hunt at the Almeida Theatre, London
Patrick Gibson for Sweat at the Donmar Warehouse and Gielgud Theatre, London
Ivan Oyik for Blue/Orange at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham
![Best Actress in a Musical 2019 Best Actress in a Musical 2019](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Danielle_Fiamanya_Standard.jpg)
Best Actress in a Musical
Sponsored by Really Useful Group
WINNER: Danielle Fiamanya for The Color Purple at Curve, Leicester and Birmingham Hippodrome
Also shortlisted:
Georgina Ambrey for The Rise and Fall of Little Voice at the Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Maiya Quansah-Breed for Six at the Arts Theatre, London
Jarneia Richard-Noel for Six at the Arts Theatre, London
![Best Actor in a Musical 2019 Best Actor in a Musical 2019](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Adam_Hugill_Thumb.jpg)
Best Actor in a Musical
Sponsored by Encore Radio
WINNER: Adam Hugill for Standing at the Sky’s Edge at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Also shortlisted:
Ryan Hutton for Only Fools and Horses the Musical at Theatre Royal Haymarket, London
Jac Yarrow for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium, London
![Best Director 2019 Best Director 2019](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Atri_Banerjee.jpg)
Best Director
Sponsored by Smith & Williamson
WINNER: Atri Banerjee for Hobson’s Choice at the Royal Exchange, Manchester
Also shortlisted:
Tyrone Huntley for Ain’t Misbehavin’ at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Jade Lewis for Superhoe at the Royal Court, London
Tom Scutt for Berberian Sound Studio at the Donmar Warehouse, London
![Best Designer 2019 Best Designer 2019](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Evie_Gurney.jpg)
Best Designer
Sponsored by Robe Lighting
WINNER: Evie Gurney for Antony and Cleopatra at the National Theatre, London, and The Hunt at the Almeida Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Abby Clarke for Beauty and the Beast at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Maxwell Nicholson-Lailey for Huddle at the Unicorn Theatre, London
![Best Composer or Lyricist 2019 Best Composer or Lyricist 2019](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_SpitLip.jpg)
Best Composer or Lyricist
Sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment Group
WINNER: David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoe Roberts for Operation Mincemeat at the New Diorama Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Oran Eldor and Marcus Stevens for Mythic the Musical at the Charing Cross Theatre, London
Anaïs Mitchell for Hadestown at the National Theatre, London
Femi Temowo for Death of a Salesman at the Young Vic, London
![Best writer 2019 Best writer 2019](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Jasmine_Lee-Jones.jpg)
Best Writer
Sponsored by Sonia Friedman Productions
WINNER: Jasmine Lee-Jones for Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner at the Royal Court, London
Also shortlisted:
Nicôle Lecky for Superhoe at the Royal Court, London
Holly Robinson for Soft Animals at Soho Theatre, London
Ross Willis for Wolfie at Theatre503, London
![Joe Allen Best West End Debut 2019 Joe Allen Best West End Debut 2019](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Jac_Yarrow.jpg)
The Joe Allen Best West End Debut
WINNER: Jac Yarrow for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium
Also shortlisted:
Matthew Broderick for The Starry Messenger at Wyndham’s Theatre
Andrew Burnap for The Inheritance at the Noël Coward Theatre
Nathanael Campbell for Come From Away at the Phoenix Theatre
Saffron Coomber for Emilia at the Vaudeville Theatre
Sarah Gordy for Jellyfish at the National Theatre
Ryan Hutton for Only Fools and Horses the Musical at the Theatre Royal Haymarket
Samuel H Levine for The Inheritance at the Noël Coward Theatre
Pericles community cast for Pericles at the National Theatre
Christie Prades for On Your Feet at the London Coliseum
![Best Creative West End Debut 2019 Best Creative West End Debut 2019](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Best_Creatives.jpg)
Best Creative West End Debut
Sponsored by Noël Coward Foundation
WINNER: Frankie Bradshaw (designer) and Lynette Linton (director) for Sweat at Donmar Warehouse and the Gielgud Theatre
Also shortlisted:
Arinzé Kene for Misty at Trafalgar Studios
Matthew Lopez for The Inheritance at the Noël Coward Theatre
Morgan Lloyd Malcolm for Emilia at the Vaudeville Theatre
Irene Sankoff and David Hein for Come from Away at the Phoenix Theatre
![Child Performer of the Year 2019 Child Performer of the Year 2019](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Taya_Tower.jpg)
Child Performer of the Year
Sponsored by Stagecoach
WINNER: Taya Tower for The Hunt at the Almeida Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Caelan Edie for The Bodyguard at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow and tour
Jack Meredith for Caroline, Or Change at the Playhouse Theatre, London
Clara Read for The Wild Duck at the Almeida Theatre, London
Nominees and winners 2018
![Nominees and winners 2018 Nominees and winners 2018](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Gemma_Dobson.jpg)
Best Actress in a Play
Sponsored by Audible
WINNER: Gemma Dobson for Rita, Sue and Bob Too at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Also shortlisted:
Kitty Archer for One for Sorrow at the Royal Court, London
Lorna Fitzgerald for The Shadow Factory at NST City, Southampton
Grainne O’Mahony for The Elephant Man at Bristol Old Vic Theatre
![Best Actor in a Play 2018 Best Actor in a Play 2018](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Akshay_Sharan.jpg)
Best Actor in a Play
Sponsored by Audible
WINNER: Akshay Sharan for The Reluctant Fundamentalist at the Yard Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Seb Carrington for Summer and Smoke at the Almeida Theatre, London
Chris Walley for The Lieutenant of Inishmore at the Noel Coward Theatre, London
Alex Wilson for The Elephant Man at Bristol Old Vic Theatre
![Best Actress in a Musical 2018 Best Actress in a Musical 2018](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Amara_Okereke.jpg)
Best Actress in a Musical
Sponsored by R&H Theatricals Europe
WINNER: Amara Okereke for Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, London
Also shortlisted:
Teleri Hughes for Spring Awakening at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Eleanor Kane for Fun Home at the Young Vic, London
Rebecca Mendoza for Hairspray, on tour
![Best Actor in a Musical 2018 Best Actor in a Musical 2018](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Louis_Gaunt_LargeLandscape.jpg)
Best Actor in a Musical
Sponsored by Encore Radio
WINNER: Louis Gaunt for Oklahoma! at Grange Park Opera, West Horsley
Also shortlisted:
Will Carey for It’s Only Life at the Union Theatre, London
Toby Miles for Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, London
Simon Oskarsson for Return to the Forbidden Planet at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, London
![Best Designer 2018 Best Designer 2018](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Khadija_Raza.jpg)
Best Designer
Sponsored by Robe Lighting
WINNER: Khadija Raza for Hijabi Monologues, Spun, and Mixtape, at the Bush Theatre, London, the Arcola Theatre, London and the Royal Exchange, Manchester
Also shortlisted:
Basia Binkowska for Devil with the Blue Dress at the Bunker Theatre, London
Fin Redshaw for Pieces of String and Love Me Now at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester and the Tristan Bates Theatre, London
Jasmine Swan for Hyem, The Passing of the Third Floor Back, Hanna and The Sleeper at Theatre503, London, the Finborough Theatre, London, the Arcola Theatre, London
![Best Director 2018 Best Director 2018](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Katy_Rudd.jpg)
Best Director
Sponsored by Smith & Williamson
WINNER: Katy Rudd for The Almighty Sometimes at the Royal Exchange, Manchester
Also shortlisted:
Iwan Lewis for One Minute at the Barn Theatre, Cirencester
Alexandra Moxon for Wreck at Nottingham Playhouse
Oscar Pearce for Great Apes at the Arcola Theatre, London
![Best Composer or Lyricist 2018 Best Composer or Lyricist 2018](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Gus_Gowland.jpg)
Best Composer or Lyricist
Sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment Group
WINNER: Gus Gowland for Pieces of String at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Also shortlisted:
Kate Marlais for Abandon at the Lyric Hammersmith, London
Matt Winkworth for The Assassination of Katie Hopkins at Theatr Clwyd, Mold
![Best Writer 2018 Best Writer 2018](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Andrew_Thompson.jpg)
Best Writer
Sponsored by InterTalent Rights Group
WINNER: Andrew Thompson for In Event of Moone Disaster at Theatre503, London
Also shortlisted:
Georgia Christou for Yous Two at Hampstead Theatre, London
Kendall Feaver for The Almighty Sometimes at the Royal Exchange, Manchester
Natasha Gordon for Nine Night at the National Theatre, London
Joe White for Mayfly at the Orange Tree Theatre, London
![Joe Allen Best West End Debut 2018 Joe Allen Best West End Debut 2018](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/Aiden_Turner.jpg)
The Joe Allen Best West End Debut
WINNER: Aidan Turner for The Lieutenant of Inishmore at the Noel Coward Theatre
Mohammad Amiri for The Jungle at the Playhouse Theatre
Ashley Banjo for Dick Whittington at the London Palladium
Bryan Cranston for Network at the National Theatre
Michelle Greenidge for Nine Night at the National Theatre
John McCrea for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre
Kelli O’Hara for The King and I at the London Palladium
Joe Robertson and Joe Murphy for The Jungle at the Playhouse Theatre
Lucie Shorthouse for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre
Adrienne Warren for Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych Theatre
Nominees and winners 2017
![Nominees and winners 2017 Nominees and winners 2017](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Grace_Moloney.jpg)
Best Actress in a Play
Sponsored by Pauline Quirke Academy
WINNER: Grace Moloney for The Country Girls at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester
Anya Chalotra for Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare’s Globe, London
Kellan Frankland for The House of Bernarda Alba at the Royal Exchange, Manchester
Jess Peet for Alice in Wonderland at the Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
![Best Actor in a Play 2017 Best Actor in a Play 2017](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Abraham_Popoola.jpg)
Best Actor in a Play
WINNER: Abraham Popoola for Othello at Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol
Jack Archer for Nivelli’s War at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast
TJ Jones for The Seven Acts of Mercy at the Swan Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company
Kenneth Omole for Assata Taught Me at the Gate Theatre, London
![Best Actress in a Musical 2017 Best Actress in a Musical 2017](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Miriam_Teak-Lee.jpg)
Best Actress in a Musical
Sponsored by The Other Palace
WINNER: Miriam-Teak Lee for On the Town at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London
Chloe Carrington for Hair at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Emily Hughes for Fiddler on the Roof at Everyman Theatre, Liverpool
Siena Kelly for On the Town at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London
![Best Actor in a Musical 2017 Best Actor in a Musical 2017](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Samuel_Thomas.jpg)
Best Actor in a Musical
Sponsored by Encore Radio
WINNER: Samuel Thomas for Allegro at Southwark Playhouse, London
Adam J Bernard for Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre, London
Ben Hunter for The Girls at the Phoenix Theatre, London
Daniel Urch for 110 in the Shade at Ye Olde Rose and Crown, London
![Best Composer 2017 Best Composer 2017](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Dan_Gillespie_Sells.jpg)
Best Composer
Sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment Group
WINNER: Dan Gillespie Sells for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Jonah Brody for Removal Men and This Beautiful Future at the Yard, London
Ruth Chan for Snow in Midsummer at the Swan Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon
MJ Harding for Removal Men at the Yard, London
Stephen Jackson for Roller Diner at the Soho Theatre, London
![Best Director 2017 Best Director 2017](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Lekan_Lawal.jpg)
Best Director
Sponsored by See Tickets
WINNER: Lekan Lawal for Betrayal at Derby Theatre, Derby
Sean Aydon for Richard III at the Rosemary Branch, London
Alexander Lass for 46 Beacon at Trafalgar Studios 2, London
Lynette Linton for Assata Taught Me at the Gate Theatre, London
![Best Designer 2017 Best Designer 2017](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Rosie_Elnile.jpg)
Best Designer
Sponsored by Robe Lighting
WINNER: Rosie Elnile for The Convert at the Gate Theatre, London
Joshua Gadsby for Dreamplay at the Vaults, London and Still Ill at the New Diorama, London
Simon Spencer for The Tempest at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon
Jessica Staton for Extra Yarn at the Orange Tree Theatre, London
![Best Writer 2017 Best Writer 2017](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Katherine_Soper.jpg)
Best Writer
WINNER: Katherine Soper for Wish List at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, and Royal Court Theatre, London
Titas Halder for Run the Beast Down at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury and Finborough Theatre, London
Asif Khan for Combustion at Tara Arts, London
Victoria Willing for Spring Offensive at the Clapham Omnibus, London
![Joe Allen Best West End Debut 2017 Joe Allen Best West End Debut 2017](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/167/The_Stage_Debut_Awards_-_Andrew_Polec_Thumb.jpg)
The Joe Allen Best West End Debut
WINNER: Andrew Polec for Bat Out of Hell at the London Coliseum
John Boyega for Woyzeck at the Old Vic
Anthony Boyle for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre
Andy Karl for Groundhog Day at the Old Vic
Audra McDonald for Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill at Wyndhams Theatre
Imogen Poots for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Harold Pinter Theatre
Amber Riley for Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre
Charlie Stemp for Half a Sixpence at the Noel Coward Theatre
Gallery
GALLERY
The Stage Debut Awards 2023 - 8 Northumberland Avenue, London
BEST PERFORMER IN A PLAY WINNER - Isobel Thom - Photo by Alex Brenner
BEST PERFORMER IN A PLAY WINNER - Elan Davies - Photo by Alex Brenner
Best Writer Winner - Anoushka Lucas. Photo by Alex Brenner
BEST WEST END DEBUT WINNER - ROSE AYLING-ELLIS - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER
BEST CREATIVE WEST END DEBUT WINNER - ROB MADGE - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER
BEST CREATIVE WEST END DEBUT WINNER - TINGYING DONG - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER
BEST PERFORMER IN A MUSICAL WINNER - JESSICA LEE - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER
BEST PERFORMER IN A PLAY WINNER - Isobel Thom - Photo by Alex Brenner
BEST COMPOSER, LYRICIST or BOOK WRITER DEBUT WINNER - MICHAEL R JACKSON - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER
Elan Davies, Callum Scott Howells, Isobel Thom
JOHN PARTRIDGE & MICHAEL R JACKSON
ROB MADGE, OMARI DOUGLAS, TINGYING DONG
MORGAN LLOYD MALCOLM & ANOUSHKA LUCAS
JESSICA LEE & FAYE TOZER
REBECCA FRECKNALL & EMILY LING WILLIAMS
BERTIE CARVEL & ROSE AYLING-ELLIS
DIVINA DE CAMPO - HOST OF THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2023
EMILY BENJAMIN - PERFORMER AT THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2023
RACHAEL WOODING - PERFORMER AT THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2023
ZIZ STRALLEN - PERFORMER AT THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2023
FAYE TOZER PRESENTING AT THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2023
RACHAEL WOODING PERFORMING AT THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2023
CALLUM SACOTT HOWELLS PRESENTING AT THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2023
JOHN PARTRIDGE PRESENTING AT THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2023
DIVINA DE CAMPO HOSTING THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2023
![BEST PERFORMER IN A PLAY WINNER - Isobel Thom - Photo by Alex Brenner BEST PERFORMER IN A PLAY WINNER - Isobel Thom - Photo by Alex Brenner](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/c_Alex_Brenner_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__A_LargeLandscape.jpg)
![BEST PERFORMER IN A PLAY WINNER- Elan Davies - Photo by Alex Brenner BEST PERFORMER IN A PLAY WINNER- Elan Davies - Photo by Alex Brenner](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Elan_Davies_c_Alex_Brenner_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAl.jpg)
![BEST WRITER WINNER - ANOUSHKA LUCAS - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER BEST WRITER WINNER - ANOUSHKA LUCAS - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Winners_rc_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7720_nh_s.jpg)
![BEST WEST END DEBUT WINNER - ROSE AYLING-ELLIS - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER BEST WEST END DEBUT WINNER - ROSE AYLING-ELLIS - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Winners_rc_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7602_nh_s.jpg)
![BEST CREATIVE WEST END DEBUT WINNER - ROB MADGE - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER BEST CREATIVE WEST END DEBUT WINNER - ROB MADGE - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Winners_rc_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7884_nh_s_LargeLandscape.jpg)
![BEST CREATIVE WEST END DEBUT WINNER - TINGYING DONG - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER BEST CREATIVE WEST END DEBUT WINNER - TINGYING DONG - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Winners_rc_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7858_nh_s.jpg)
![BEST PERFORMER IN A MUSICAL WINNER - JESSICA LEE - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER BEST PERFORMER IN A MUSICAL WINNER - JESSICA LEE - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Winners_rc_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7670_nh_s.jpg)
![BEST PERFORMER IN A PLAY WINNER - Isobel Thom - Photo by Alex Brenner BEST PERFORMER IN A PLAY WINNER - Isobel Thom - Photo by Alex Brenner](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/c_Alex_Brenner_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__A_LargeLandscape.jpg)
![BEST COMPOSER, LYRICIST or BOOK WRITER DEBUT WINNER - MICHAEL R JACKSON - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER BEST COMPOSER, LYRICIST or BOOK WRITER DEBUT WINNER - MICHAEL R JACKSON - PHOTO BY ALEX BRENNER](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Winners_rc_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7767_nh_s.jpg)
![Elan Davies, Callum Scott Howells, Isobel Thom Elan Davies, Callum Scott Howells, Isobel Thom](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/c_Alex_Brenner_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__A1_LargeLandscape.jpg)
![John Partridge & Michael R Jackson John Partridge & Michael R Jackson](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Winners_rc_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7804_nh_s.jpg)
![Rob Magde, Omari Douglas, TingYing Dong Rob Magde, Omari Douglas, TingYing Dong](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Winners_rc_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7823_nh_s.jpg)
![Morgan Lloyd Malcolm & Anoushka Lucas Morgan Lloyd Malcolm & Anoushka Lucas](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Winners_rc_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7747_nh_s.jpg)
![Jessica Lee & Faye Tozer Jessica Lee & Faye Tozer](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Winners_rc_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7695_nh_s.jpg)
![Rebecca Frecknall & Emily Ling Williams Rebecca Frecknall & Emily Ling Williams](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Winners_rc_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7581_nh_s.jpg)
![Bertie Carvel & Rose Ayling-Ellis Bertie Carvel & Rose Ayling-Ellis](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Winners_rc_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS7634_nh_s.jpg)
![Divina De Campo - Host of The Stage Debut Awards 2023 Divina De Campo - Host of The Stage Debut Awards 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Divina_De_Campo_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__AB.jpg)
![Emily Benjamin - Performer at The Stage Debut Awards 2023 Emily Benjamin - Performer at The Stage Debut Awards 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Emily_Benjamin_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__ABS.jpg)
![Rachael Wooding - Performer at The Stage Debut Awards 2023 Rachael Wooding - Performer at The Stage Debut Awards 2023](/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/294/Rachael_Wooding_TheStageDebutAwards2023_cAlexBrenner__AB.jpg)
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Eligibility
Previous winners include Miriam-Teak Lee (& Juliet), Amara Okereke (Les Misérables & My Fair Lady) and Jac Yarrow (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). Photos by Alex Brenner.
Submissions for 2024 are now closed.
Submissions are now closed for debut performers, directors, writers, composers and designers.
Entries closed on June 30. The shortlist will be announced in August 2024.
Who can you enter submit for The Stage Debut Awards?
Yourself – why not? We want to hear about your fabulous talent! Or anyone else you have worked with or whose work you admire, as long as they are making their debut between July 18, 2023 and July 17, 2024 in a production reviewed by The Stage.
We particularly welcome entries from outside London and all scales of professional productions are eligible.
Definition of debut: first professional appearance in a named role (if performer) or credit (if creative role) in a production reviewed by The Stage (previous appearances in ensemble roles or as an understudy do not disqualify you from consideration).
Definition of West End debut: first professional appearance in a named role (if performer) or credit (if creative role) in the West End in a production reviewed by The Stage (previous appearances in ensemble roles or as an understudy do not disqualify you from consideration). This does not need to be a full professional debut, only the first appearance or credit in the West End. e.g. a Broadway performer making their debut in the West End would be eligible.
Submissions only need to be entered once per category to be considered. Every submission, regardless of the amount of entries it has, is assessed equally and fairly by the judging panel.
Eligibility
To be eligible for The Stage Debut Awards 2024 you must meet the following conditions:
- Nominees for all categories must be 16 years old or over.
- Nominees’ debuts must have been reviewed by The Stage.
- Child actors who have since become 16 years old or over are eligible for their first eligible debut as an adult.
- Nominees must have made their debuts in the UK.
- Actors and creatives who have previously worked in other media, e.g. TV and film, are eligible.
- Nominees can be of any nationality.
- The Best West End Debut Performer category covers all West End performance debuts. West End is defined as commercial theatres in full SOLT membership.
- The Best Creative West End Debut category includes but is not limited to composers, lyricists, writers, directors and designers. West End is defined as SOLT theatres.
- Anyone who has made a debut between July 18, 2023 and July 17, 2024 can be nominated.
- Nominations close on June 30, 2024. Any debuts made between July 1 and 17 will be considered, providing nominations are submitted by June 30. This gives The Stage time to review the performance.
- For any queries on eligibility please contact The Stage, events@thestage.co.uk
The Stage’s decision is final.
Judging Process
1. The Stage Critics
The Stage’s nationwide network of reviewers will identify actors and creatives making their debuts and put forward recommendations. People making their debut, agents and the general public can also nominate.
2. Expert Advisors
Representatives from across the UK are sent the critics’ longlist and asked for their input. Final decisions on both the shortlist and winners will be taken by our judging panel.
3. Judging Panel
The judging panel will assess all categories and provide a shortlist. They will decide a winner in all categories except the Best West End Debut Performer award.
Judging Panel
TBC
4. The Public Vote
The Best West End Debut Performer is the only category that is determined by a public vote.