Tamzin Outhwaite, Amy Lennox and Charlie Stemp among guests at WhatsOnStage Awards launch

The cream of the West End descended on Cafe de Paris yesterday for the launch of the 17th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards.

Guests at the annual event, which saw the announcement of this year's shortlist, included Half a Sixpence stars Charlie Stemp, Emma Williams and Devon Elise Johnson, who are all nominated this year. Nathan Amzi was on hand to celebrate Aladdin's seven nominations, including Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Trevor Dion Nicholas who plays the Genie.

Show Boat cast members Emmanuel Kojo and Sandra Marvin celebrated multiple nominations for the Sheffield Crucible production and the cast of The Comedy About a Bank Robbery were present to see their show nominated in the Best New Play category. Amy Lennox represented the cast of Lazarus which received four nominations including Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for Lennox.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child leads the way with 11 nominations, the most a play has ever received in our Awards' history, Paul Thornley and Sam Clemmett (Ron Weasley and Albus Potter) left their wands at the theatre to attend the event.

Other guests included Tamzin Outhwaite, Charlie Condou, Maddy Hill and host Steve Furst. The UK tour cast of Rent, nominated for Best Regional Production, performed a rousing rendition of "Seasons of Love".

Click here to vote for the winners in the 17th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards