Winners announced for 26th annual WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS
At a ceremony tonight at The London Palladium, hosted by Gina and Mazz Murray, the winners of the 26th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards in association with AudienceView were announced – the only major UK theatre awards decided by the theatregoers themselves.
The critically acclaimed smash-hit Paddington The Musical triumphed, winning nine awards and equalling the record for the most wins in WhatsOnStage Award history with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Miss Saigon – and the most for any new musical. Evita was the recipient of five Awards, with Richard II at Bridge Theatre leads the straight play categories with two wins.
The full list of winners are as follows:
THE SINE DIGITAL BEST PERFORMER IN A PLAY
Jonathan Bailey, Richard II, Bridge Theatre
BEST PERFORMER IN A MUSICAL – SPONSORED BY TICKETMASTER
Rachel Zegler, Evita, The London Palladium
BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMER IN A PLAY
Stephen Fry, The Importance of Being Earnest, Noël Coward Theatre
BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMER IN A MUSICAL – SPONSORED BY NEWMAN DISPLAYS
Amber Davies, The Great Gatsby, London Coliseum
BEST PROFESSIONAL DEBUT – SPONSORED BY AKA
Timi Akinyosade, Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre
BEST TAKEOVER
Emma Kingston, Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre
BEST CHILD PERFORMANCE
The Land of the Living - National Theatre - Young Thomas: Platon Filatov, Darcy Tosun, Artie Wilkinson-Hunt, Anton Vehring
BEST NEW PLAY – SPONSORED BY DISNEY ON STAGE
The Comedy About Spies, Noël Coward Theatre
THE TRAVELZOO BEST NEW MUSICAL AWARD
Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre
THE LONDONER BEST PLAY REVIVAL AWARD
Richard II, Bridge Theatre
BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL – SPONSORED BY CONCORD THEATRICALS
Evita, The London Palladium
BEST WEST END SHOW – SPONSORED BY DEWYNTERS
Les Misérables, Sondheim Theatre
AUDIENCE REPUBLIC BEST REGIONAL PRODUCTION
13 Going on 30 The Musical, Manchester Opera House
BEST CONCERT EVENT
Rachel Zegler: Live at The London Palladium, The London Palladium
BEST STUDIO PRODUCTION – SPONSORED BY THEATRICAL RIGHTS WORLDWIDE
Young Frankenstein, Hope Mill Theatre
BEST DIRECTION – SPONSORED BY LONDON THEATRE DIRECT
Luke Sheppard, Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY – SPONSORED BY LaDUCA SHOES
Fabian Aloise, Evita, The London Palladium
THE PREEVUE BEST SET DESIGN AWARD
Tom Pye, Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Gabrielle Slade and Tahra Zafar, Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre
THE WHITE LIGHT BEST LIGHTING DESIGN AWARD
Jon Clark, Evita, The London Palladium
BEST SOUND DESIGN – SPONSORED BY HERE AT OUTERNET
Gareth Owen, Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre
BEST VIDEO DESIGN – SPONSORED BY STUDIO 20
Jamie Lloyd, Nick Ward, David Anderson, Evita, The London Palladium
WIGS, HAIR AND MAKE-UP DESIGN
Campbell Young Associates, Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre
BEST MUSIC DIRECTION / SUPERVISION
Matt Brind, Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre
BEST CASTING DIRECTION
Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting, Nick Hockaday, Annabelle Davis,Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre
WhatsOnStage’s Darius Thompson and Alex Wood said today, “The voters really did look after that Bear! Paddington’s record-setting awards haul has firmly cemented it as a fan-favourite new addition to the West End. From bears to balconies – it’s no surprise to see Rachel Zegler amongst the starry line-up of winners following her al fresco performance at this very venue last summer.
“We have to give thanks to our sponsors – your continued support has allowed us to grow these awards to become such a wonderful celebration of the theatre community. Most importantly, of course, is a big thank you to everyone that nominated, voted and campaigned for their favourite shows and performers – the wealth of excitement around these awards highlights the unwavering passion and love for theatre that brings punters to venues night after night. Here’s to next year and see you for the nominations in November!”
Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees!
Photo credit: Johan Persson