WhatsOnStage has officially opened nominations for the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards, the only major theatre awards determined entirely by theatregoers. Theatre fans across the UK can now nominate their favourite performers and shows, making their voices heard in this prestigious celebration of theatre. Nominations close at midday on 21st November, and a shortlist will be announced on 5th December 2024, with public voting on the shortlist opening the same day and closing 9th January 2025.
This year’s ceremony will culminate in a glamorous event at the London Palladium on 9th February, 2025, where the winners will be announced. The event will feature live performances by top stage talent, backed by a 24-piece orchestra, and promises to be an unforgettable night for theatre lovers. Tickets for the event are on sale now, giving fans a chance to witness this celebration of talent live.
WhatsOnStage’s Darius Thompson and Alex Wood shared their excitement about the upcoming awards, saying:
Let the campaigning begin! We're thrilled to give audiences the opportunity to celebrate their favourite shows and talents. This year, we're adapting the awards to better reflect our theatre community, including expanding the ‘Best Off-West End Production Award’ to the newly named ‘Best Studio Production Award,’ recognising smaller-scale, captivating productions in intimate spaces. We’re also excited to introduce a Wigs, Hair, and Make-Up category to spotlight the innovative work in this area of theatre.”
Among the categories open for nomination are Best Performer in a Play (sponsored by SINE Digital), Best Performer in a Musical (sponsored by Ticketmaster), and Best West End Show (sponsored by Dewynters). Additional new and updated categories this year allow audiences to honor creativity from a wider range of productions, from regional theatre to new musicals and plays. This year’s awards also include the recently added Best Studio Production Award to support smaller venues and the Wigs, Hair, and Make-Up category.
The technical categories- such as Costume Design, Lighting Design, and Video Design- will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts, with the public then voting on the shortlists. This brings the total award categories to 24, ensuring that every aspect of theatre, from performances to technical achievements, is recognised.
WhatsOnStage has extended special thanks to the sponsors for their support in making the 2025 awards possible, including SINE Digital, Ticketmaster, MTI, Concord, Disney’s Hercules, Dewynters, Travelzoo, and many others. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria before submitting nominations, and get ready to vote for your favourite stars and shows as the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards celebrates a milestone year in the world of theatre!
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