Black British Theatre Awards to return to the West End for 2026

The Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs) will return on Sunday 25 October 2026, with this year’s ceremony taking place at the Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End.

Sponsored by ATG Entertainment and presented in partnership with Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Global Creatures, with support from Playful Productions, the awards continue their mission of recognising and celebrating the achievements of Black artists, creatives and theatre professionals working across the UK industry.

The ceremony follows the 2025 event, which featured performances from Alexandra Burke and the Kingdom Choir, while honouring recipients including Beverley Knight.

Award categories for 2026 will recognise achievements across performance and creative disciplines both on and off stage, alongside honours for outstanding contribution, emerging talent, Best Musical and Best Play. Organisers have also confirmed that presenters and performers for this year’s ceremony will be announced at a later date.

Omar F Okai, founder and executive director of the Black British Theatre Awards, said today: “We are delighted to return for another year of celebrating the extraordinary talent, creativity and impact. The Black British Theatre Awards exist not only to recognise excellence but also to champion visibility, representation and opportunity within our industry. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors ATG Entertainment, partners Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Global Creatures and Playful Productions, supporters and audiences who continue to believe in the importance of this work.”

Nominations will open on 1 July 2026 and close on 31 August 2026. Audiences, industry professionals and theatre supporters will be invited to nominate individuals and productions that have made a significant contribution to British theatre over the past year.

Further details regarding nominations, ticket sales, the shortlist, presenters and special guest performances will be announced in the coming months.

The Black British Theatre Awards will take place at the Piccadilly Theatre on Sunday 25 October 2026 at 7.30pm.