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The Stage Debut Awards

18:00 - 22:30

THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2023

THE WINNERS FOR THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2023 HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED!


Be sure to check out The Stage winners announcement and social media channels to discover the winners.


The Stage Debut Awards are the only awards dedicated to recognising breakthrough theatre talent.
They celebrate emerging actors and creatives, from all backgrounds.


The Stage Debut Awards 2023 took place on Sunday, October 1
 

The winners of The Stage Debut Awards, in association with ATG, were announced on Sunday, October 1 in a star-studded ceremony at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, hosted by legendary drag artist, performer and songstress Divina De Campo.

 
Winners include Rose Ayling-Ellis for her West End Debut performance in As You Like It at @sohoplace, Isobel Thom for their leading role in I, Joan at Shakespeare’s Globe, Michael R Jackson for composing A Strange Loop at Barbican Theatre and Tingying Dong for her sound design on The Crucible, Gielgud and National Theatre.

 

Awards Step

The Stage Debut Awards categories 2023 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

Timeline

Early 2024: Public submissions open for The Stage Debut Awards

June, 2024: Submissions close for The Stage Debut Awards

 

July, 2023: Debuts made before July 17 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 Award


September, 2024:
Voting closes for the Best West End Debut Award & winners announced at an awards ceremony

Sponsor opportunities

Sponsor copy

Help us create a legacy and offer new talent better opportunities for the future.

 

We have a number of sponsor opportunities available at 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

Purchase your ticket

It is completely free to enter a submission for the The Stage Debut Awards and nominees and their guests attend the ceremony completely free. You can support the awards by purchasing a ticket and celebrating with us on the night. TICKETS HAVE NOW SOLD OUT.

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Share #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 grace.lewis@thestage.co.uk for more details. 

 

Email: debuts@thestage.co.uk
Call: 020 7939 8468

 

#DebutAwards

 

News 4

Divina De Campo to host The Stage Debut Awards

Drag artist and performer Divina De Campo will host The Stage Debut Awards 2023. Read the full article here. 

News 1

The Stage Debut Awards: What last year's winners did next

Last year’s winners tell Georgia Snow about their memories of the night, what they’ve been up to over the past year, and how the award has helped them. Read the full article here.

 

News 2

Callum Scott Howells and Bertie Carvel among The Stage Debut Awards presenters

Callum Scott Howells, Rebecca Frecknall, Bertie Carvel and Omari Douglas are among the presenters for The Stage Debut Awards 2023. Read the full article here. 

 

 

News 3

Shortlist announced for The Stage Debut Awards 2023

The Stage Debut Awards in association with ATG are the only awards dedicated to recognising breakthrough theatre talent. This year’s ceremony takes place on October 1 in London. Here, we introduce you to our extremely talented shortlist of nominees...

Read the full article here.

 

The Stage Debut Awards Judges View All

The Stage Debut Awards Headline Sponsor View All

The Stage Debut Awards 2023 Sponsors View All

The Stage Debut Awards Judges

Alistair Smith

Alistair Smith

Editor
The Stage
Sam Marlowe

Sam Marlowe

Reviews editor
The Stage
Baz Bamigboye

Baz Bamigboye

Entertainment Columnist
Deadline
Dominic Cavendish

Dominic Cavendish

Theatre Critic
Telegraph
Dave Fargnoli

Dave Fargnoli

Theatre Critic
Holly Williams

Holly Williams

Journalist/ Writer

The Stage Debut Awards Headline Sponsor

The Stage Debut Awards 2023 Sponsors

2023 Shortlist

The Stage Debut Awards in association with ATG are the only awards dedicated to recognising breakthrough theatre talent. This year’s ceremony takes place on October 1 in London. Here, we introduce you to our extremely talented shortlist of nominees...


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Best performer in a play

Sponsored by Cabbells

Bukky Bakray

Sleepova 

Bush Theatre, London

 


Rita Bernard-Shaw

Trouble in Butetown
Donmar Warehouse, London


Natalie Blair

Spring and Port Wine

Octagon Theatre, Bolton


Rhian Blundell

Let the Right One In
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester


Elan Davies

Imrie
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff


Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran

The Importance of Being Earnest
Leeds Playhouse and touring


Daniel Rock

Richard The Second
Omnibus Theatre, London and touring


Isobel Thom

I, Joan
Shakespeare’s Globe, London

Best performer in a musical

Sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line

Liv Andrusier

Ride
Charing Cross Theatre, London


Josh Barnett

Newsies
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London


Arcangelo Ciulla

Newsies
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London


Carla Dixon-Hernandez

Mrs Doubtfire
Shaftesbury Theatre, London


Drew Hylton

Unexpected Twist: An Oliver Twisted Tale
Royal and Derngate, Northampton and touring


Jessica Lee

Miss Saigon
Crucible Theatre, Sheffield


Maisie Smith

Strictly Ballroom the Musical
Churchill Theatre, Bromley and touring

Best director

Sponsored by Arts Council England

Daniel Blake

Bones

Park Theatre, London


Indiana Lown-Collins

The Solid Life of Sugar Water
Orange Tree Theatre, London


Denzel Westley-Sanderson

The Importance of Being Earnest
Leeds Playhouse and touring


Emily Ling Williams

A Playlist for the Revolution
Bush Theatre, London

Best designer

Sponsored by Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL 

Carly Brownbridge

Set & Costume for Agatha
Theatre503, London


Peter Butler

Set & Costume for The Shape of Things

Park Theatre, London


Andrea Scott

Video for My Neighbour Totoro
Barbican Theatre, London

Best writer

Sponsored by Sonia Friedman Productions

Sasha Hails

Possession
Arcola Theatre, London


Lenny Henry

August in England
Bush Theatre, London


Anoushka Lucas

Elephant
Bush Theatre, London


Jennifer Lunn

Es & Flo 
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff


Richard Mylan

Sorter
Swansea Grand Theatre


Zak Zarafshan

The Boys Are Kissing
Theatre503, London

Best composer, lyricist or book writer

sponsored by Crossroads Live

Gerel Falconer

Alice in Wonderland
Brixton House, London


Michael R Jackson

A Strange Loop
Barbican Theatre, London


Jenny Moore

Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written 
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London


Lilly Pollard

Sugar Coat
Southwark Playhouse, London

Best West End debut performer

sponsored by TodayTix

Rose Ayling-Ellis

As You Like It
@sohoplace


Emily Fairn

Brokeback Mountain
@sohoplace


Mike Faist

Brokeback Mountain
@sohoplace


Kyle Ramar Freeman

A Strange Loop
Barbican Theatre


Gabriel Howell

The Unfriend
Criterion Theatre


Paul Mescal

A Streetcar Named Desire
Phoenix Theatre


Zachary Quinto

Best of Enemies
Noël Coward Theatre


Samira Wiley

Blues for an Alabama Sky
National Theatre

Best creative West End debut

Sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment

Joe Bunker

Musical Director, Operation Mincemeat 
Fortune Theatre


David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts (SpitLip)

Composer, Lyricist & Book Writer, Operation Mincemeat
Fortune Theatre


Tingying Dong

Sound Designer, The Crucible 
National Theatre and Gielgud Theatre


Michael R Jackson

Composer, Lyricist & Book Writer, A Strange Loop 
Barbican Theatre


Scott Le Crass

Director, Rose 
Ambassadors Theatre


Rob Madge

Writer, My Son's a Queer, (But What Can You Do?) 
Garrick Theatre and Ambassadors Theatre


 

Voting now open for the Best West End Debut Performer category

The shortlists for The Stage Debut Awards are all decided by our esteemed panel of judges who have consulted industry experts across the country to compile nominees in each category.

The winner of the Best West End Debut Performer is decided by you.

Voting has now closed.
The winner will be announced at the ceremony on Sunday, October 1.

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2023 Winners

The Stage Debut Awards winners

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Best Performer in a Play 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Gallery

GALLERY

The Stage Debut Awards 2023 - 8 Northumberland Avenue, London

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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- 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 Magde, 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 Zizi 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 Scott 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
 
 

About

What are The Stage Debut Awards?

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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, 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 took place on Sunday, October 1 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BY. Tickets are now sold out.

 

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

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

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.

 

Can I enter a submission more than once and for different categories?

 

You can enter yourself or someone else across all/ any categories.

 

The submission process only requires you to submit once per individual for it to be considered by the judging panel. It is not a public vote.

 

Submissions are currently closed but will open soon. 

 

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.

 

With thanks to our 2023 sponsors

ATG

Ambassador Theatre Group
headline sponsor

Nothing beats the energy and excitement of a great live experience. That’s why at Ambassador Theatre Group, our mission is to bring the very best in live entertainment to the largest possible number of people. ATG operates 58 venues internationally; is a global leader in live theatre, music and comedy, and provides leading ticketing platforms and marketing services. We are vertically integrated, from producing shows, delivering marketing and ticketing services, to venue operations. www.atg.co.uk

 

Trafalgar Entertainment

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.

Crossroads Live

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

 

Sonia Friedman Productions

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. soniafriedman.com

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line
sponsor of Best Performer in a Musical 

Carnival Cruise Line’s state of the art Playlist Production shows are truly one of a kind! Combining captivating live performances with high-tech LED staging and special effects, they set the standard for seagoing productions. Your favorite songs come to life, accompanied by fabulous live musicians, in these full-blown musical shows unique to Carnival Cruise Line. Conceptualized and created by industry leaders, these unforgettable shows really do bring the FUN! www.carnivalentertainment.com

Arts Council England

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

Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL
Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL 
sponsor of Best Designer

Wimbledon College of Arts, one of six colleges of University of the Arts London (UAL), is dedicated to the study of stage and screen performance, training students to become innovative performers and experimental designers.

It offers a wide variety of courses ranging from acting and performance to design and digital production, covering live performance, set and costume design, model making and prop making, animatronics and prosthetics, puppetry and the exploration of politics and social justice in contemporary performance. The College has undergone a multimillion-pound redevelopment, providing high-quality studios and facilities, and investment in new digital technology.

www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/wimbledon-college-of-arts

 

Cabbells
Cabbells
sponsor of Best Performer in a Play

We are Cabbells, the trusted partner of leading arts institutions for more than 40 years, specialising in programme design, content creation and advertising sales for the arts. Our Creative Studio crafts beautiful digital and print content to enrich audience experiences, inspire loyalty and increase production revenues. We design and produce attention-grabbing programmes, brochures, and magazines. Our clients range from music festival producers, Arts & Crafts heritage organisations, the orchestral & operatic, to the biggest West End theatres in the business. www.cabbell.co.uk

TodayTix
TodayTix
sponsor of Best West End Debut Performer

TodayTix Group is the global e-commerce leader for cultural experiences designing frictionless e-commerce experiences via innovative product design and industry-leading technology.  Through its powerful consumer matchmaking technology and expansive portfolio of brands, including TodayTix, Secret Cinema, Goldstar, and Show-Score, TTG has an intimate understanding of its millions of customers, allowing TTG to optimise partner relationships by providing unparalleled access to engaged audiences, generating meaningful revenue, and transforming the way tickets are sold. And with an ever-expanding global network of 20,000 theatres, producers, and cultural institutions, TodayTix Group is at the forefront of the digital transformation of culture. www.todaytixgroup.com.

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Eligibility

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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. 

 

Entries for 2023 have Now Closed

 

Entries have now closed for debut performers, directors, writers, composers and designers. 

 

The shortlist will be announced in August 2023.

 

WHO CAN YOU NOMINATE?
 
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, 2022 and July 17, 2023. 

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.

 

 

Eligibility

 

To be eligible for The Stage Debut Awards 2023 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.
  • Debuts in shows during Edinburgh Festival Fringe will not be considered for these awards. Prior appearances at Edinburgh Fringe do not disqualify you from eligibility for The Stage Debut Awards.
  • 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 SOLT theatres.
  • 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, 2022 and July 17, 2023 can be nominated.
  • Nominations close on June 30, 2023. 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. 

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