Winner of the 2026 Stiles + Drewe Best New Song Prize announced

James Lark has won the 2026 Stiles + Drewe Best New Song Prize for “Father” from the musical Confessional.

The winner was announced following a concert at the Other Palace on Monday, featuring 12 finalist songs selected from 140 submissions. The event was hosted by musical theatre performer Alex Young and organised by Mercury Musical Developments and Stiles + Drewe, in partnership with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

Lark, who wrote the music and lyrics for “Father”, receives £1,000 towards developing their work. The song was performed by Ryan Kopel.

The £250 Voice, Vision and Potential prize was awarded to Cheeyang Ng for “In the Beginning” from Legendary.

The judging panel comprised Anthony Drewe, Chris Ma, George Stiles, Joanne Benjamin, Jon Robyns, Miranda Cooper and Rafia Hussain.

The concert also featured songs from recent and forthcoming British musicals, including Bank of Dave: The Musical, Mona Loser, Raising Gays and Redcliffe.

The 2026 event paid tribute to Adam Lenson, David James and Hugh Wooldridge, three members of the new musical theatre community who died earlier this month, recognising their contributions to the sector.