Finalists revealed for Stiles + Drewe’s Best New Song Prize

The finalists have been revealed for this year’s Stiles + Drewe’s Best New Song Prize.

Run by Mercury Musical Developments in partnership with Theatrical Rights Worldwide, the annual prize recognises an outstanding song from a new musical written by a member of Mercury Musical Developments. The winner will be revealed in a concert at The Other Palace on 12 October 2026, featuring performances of the nominated numbers from West End stars.

Established by writing duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the prize showcases songs from new musicals in development. The concert will also feature selections from recent musical theatre productions.

The finalists are:

“A Sliver of Sunlight” from Hyacinthus by Trevor K. Band

“Be Your Own Man” from Rising by Amy Clare Tasker and Tom James McGrath

“Earth To Theo” from Theo In Between by Gareth Mattey and Jordan Li Smith

“Every Day” from The Deep End by Dom Patterson, Kate Peters & Paul Grady

“Father” from Confessional by James Lark

“First” from Sally In The Woods by James Joshua Otto and P Burton-Morgan

“In The Beginning” from Legendary by Cheeyang Ng

“Monster In The Mirror” from Stigma by Jane Subachus

“Paris Is Calling” from Le Pètomane – The Musical by Tim Waters

“Shadows” from The Last Lost Boy by Jacob Attwooll and Kyla Stroud

“Skylines” from Elbow Deep by Elinor Peregrine

“There’s More To Me” from The Most Hated Family In America by Aveev Issacson and Matt Bond

The winning song will be selected by an industry judging panel, including Stiles and Drewe, with the recipient receiving £1,000 to support the development of their work.

The concert will be directed by Alex Jackson, with musical direction by Livi van Warmelo. Casting and the event host will be announced at a later date. Tickets are now on sale.