Nominations open for the 26th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards

Nominations have now opened for the 26th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards.

The annual event sees theatregoers across the UK nominating and voting for their favourite shows and performers. It will culminate in a glitzy concert spectacular at The London Palladium on 8 March 2026.

As well as seeing the winners crowned across a range of categories, theatregoers will also enjoy a host of exclusive live performances from top stage talent, accompanied by a 24-piece orchestra in a one-night-only showcase co-produced with creative directors Alex Parker and Damian Sandys. Tickets are on sale now.

For each of the following, readers will be able to nominate and vote for one individual/show from anywhere in the UK:

Individual Categories
· Best Performer in a Musical
· Best Supporting Performer in a Musical
· The SINE Digital Best Performer in a Play
· Best Supporting Performer in a Play
· Best Takeover Performance
· Best Professional Debut Performance

Production Categories
· The Travelzoo Best New Musical
· Best Musical Revival
· Best New Play
· The Londoner Best Play Revival
· Best West End Show
· Best Concert Event
· Best Regional Production
· Best Studio Production

For almost all categories, productions must have begun preview performances of a press-reviewed run before 6 November 2025 in order to be eligible. Nominations close at midday on 20 November 2025.

Audiences are strongly encouraged to read the eligibility criteria before submitting their nominations. Eligibility criteria are available here. 

Nominate your favourites now.

The shortlist for the technical categories (Best Casting Direction, Best Choreography, Best Costume Design, Best Direction, Best Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Design, White Light Best Lighting Design, Best Musical Direction/Supervision, Preevue Best Set Design, Sound Design and Video Design) will be once again decided by an independent panel of industry experts appointed by WhatsOnStage. Shortlists will then be voted on by the general public.

With thanks to our sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors: AudienceView, Disney Theatrical, Preevue, and SINE Digital.

Official Hotel Partner: The Londoner.

Other sponsors: AKA, ANRPR, Blackout, Boulevard Events, Brent Carpets, Concord, Dewynters, Go Live Theatre, John Good, John Henry’s, LaDuca Shoes, London Theatre Direct, Newman Displays, Outernet Venues, PRG, Re:Water, ROYO, RSVP-ify, Steeldeck Rentals, Studio Twenty, Tandem Marketing Worldwide, Theatrical Rights Worldwide, Ticketmaster, Trafalgar Entertainment, Travelzoo, and White Light.