Hilson Agbangbe

Best Performer in a Play

What did winning a Debut Award mean to you and what are your memories of the night?

It was so emotional for me, and it meant a lot to be in that room. I remember being so shocked that I went into denial and was also quite nervous, especially when I realised I had to go up and actually deliver a speech. 

I also remember being so sure that Lucy [Karczewski] would win, so I was ecstatic when I realised she had won alongside me. It really made the night special and unforgettable. 

What have you been working on since winning, and what’s next for you?

I feel like I have been working mostly on myself, but I am also continuing to learn and looking for ways to improve my craft. I spent January hosting The Stage Awards and performing a short run of a new play in Reading, centred on the Jamaican sound system, so it was nice to do something for the culture. 

I also spent time with family and saw my mum for the first time in almost nine years, which was so exciting and emotional. Overall, trying to get used to the acting life, and I am truly looking forward to new and exciting opportunities.

What advice would you give to the nominees for our 2026 Debut Awards?

Definitely write a speech. Win or no win, you might go back to redrafting that speech another day in the future. So write it in faith. Relish and enjoy the night, because you have earned it, you’re clearly doing good work to have been recognised and nominated.

How has winning a Debut Award helped you in your career so far?

It really gave me a confidence boost and gave me so much hope and trust in my journey. Whenever I start to feel doubt or get scared, I remember how far I have come from being a novice, clueless, immigrant actor to winning The Stage Debut Award for my first show, and it just gives me more fuel for the journey.

Lucy Karczewski

Best Performer in a Play

What did winning a Debut Award mean to you and what are your memories of the night?

Seconds before I accepted my award, I was certain I hadn’t won. Hilson was announced as the winner and I was really happy for him. We went to the same drama school and he was an undeniable sensation in Wonder Boy. We were elated to be nominated together.

When they said his name, my agent held my hand and whispered “at least it went to someone you think is amazing”. Then they announced a second winner. Me. It was shocking, a truly dramatic win.

A few months later, Hilson and I co-hosted The Stage Awards, we added plenty of jokes poking fun at having to reluctantly share the title of Best Performer in a Play. In reality, there was nothing reluctant about it. That’s what made winning momentous.

What have you been working on since winning, and what’s next for you?

I am currently filming the new series of Peaky Blinders. I can’t say much about my character except I love her, she’s beautifully cathartic. The writing breaks my heart. 

What advice would you give to the nominees for our 2026 Debut Awards?

Get to know your fellow nominees. You’re up there with some fiercely talented individuals doing exciting stuff.

How has winning a Debut Award helped you in your career so far?

I was still performing in Stereophonic and winning was the confidence boost I needed to complete the run. Your first play is vulnerable, let alone doing it in the West End. I would keep my inexperience quiet during press, not because I’m humble; I had this fear people in the audience would say: “Do you know it’s her first job?” the reply being: “You can tell.” That idea really got in my head. When I won the Debut Award, it changed my perspective. I walked on stage differently after that.

It’s no small thing to recognise someone when they are at the start of something. It can be journey-altering.

Leesa Tulley

Best Performer in a Musical

What did winning a Debut Award mean to you and what are your memories of the night?

Being recognised for my role in Why Am I So Single? meant the world to me. And it was made even more special by having my parents with me on the day. They are my biggest supporters and so I was so grateful to share that evening with them.

What have you been working on since winning, and what’s next for you?

Since winning, I’ve continued to chase doing what I love. I’ve been lucky enough to return to my first ever professional musical – Six. I was an alternate on the UK tour when I finished drama school, so it’s very special to be playing a lead in the same show in the West End three years later.

What advice would you give to the nominees for our 2026 Debut Awards?

Have the most amazing time. Take it all in. To be nominated is to be recognised for the hard work we do. So, soak it up and celebrate yourself, and all the other amazing people around you.

How has winning a Debut Award helped you in your career so far?

It has given me a huge confidence boost and encouraged me to believe in myself and the work that I do. To receive an award for Best Performer in a Musical has helped me battle those little self-doubt thoughts. I’m very grateful.

Richard Mylan

Best Director

What did winning a Debut Award mean to you and what are your memories of the night?

I vividly remember being sat at the very back table, in that gorgeous venue with my wife, chilling. I saw the table plan and said to Tammie: “Look where we’re sat... Not a chance!” I even sent a video to my team showing the table plan from the stage all the way back to our table while making a slide-whistle noise.

So, we were really relaxed, enjoying the food and the atmosphere. When I heard: “This year’s winner, a previous nominee”, both Tammie and I looked at each other, startled and everything else is a bit of a blur. I went from shitting myself to utter disbelief to pure adrenaline in about three seconds and I just remember shaking my head, with a massive smile on my face, as I walked my slide whistle journey to the stage.

What have you been working on since winning, and what’s next for you?

Since winning, I co-produced the brilliant Hot Chicks by Rebecca Jade Hammond with our company Grand Ambition; I was assistant and movement director on Michelle McTernan’s beautiful Grand Ambition production HOP – The Hopeful Hare, with music by West End legend Steve Balsamo and the formidable John Quirk. I am about to direct my second play, Physical Education, by extraordinary young Swansea playwright Jonathan Houlston, and in the autumn I’ll be working as movement director on A Tidy Boy by the extremely multitalented Peter Darney, directed by the equally multitalented Christian Patterson. 

What advice would you give to the nominees for our 2026 Debut Awards?

Don’t judge the award ceremony by the table plan. 

How has winning a Debut Award helped you in your career so far?

Winning has been great for my confidence. I never get complacent, but the award means so much to me, because it legitimises my work in a way. 

It pushes me forward and it’s opened doors. I won the Debut Award just before I turned 53 and I feel like I’m just getting started. It’s so exciting.