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The WhatsOnStage Awards (WOS Awards), formerly known as the Theatregoers' Choice Awards, are organised by the theatre website
WhatsOnStage.com WhatsOnStage.com is a London-based website that provides information about, and offers tickets for, theatrical performances in the United Kingdom. It also organises the annual WhatsOnStage Awards. Founded in 1996, it has been owned by the Americ ...
. The awards recognise performers and productions of British theatre with an emphasis on London's West End theatre. Nominations and eventual winners are selected by the theatre-going public's vote. The awards are held each February. In 2012, they were staged at the West End's Prince of Wales Theatre.


History

In early 2001, WhatsOnStage.com published the shortlists for that year’s
Laurence Olivier Awards The Laurence Olivier Awards, or simply the Olivier Awards, are presented annually by the Society of London Theatre to recognise excellence in professional theatre in London at an annual ceremony in the capital. The awards were originally known as ...
and invited site visitors to vote online for who they thought should win. In a fortnight, 5,000 people took part – and their results differed wildly from the Olivier judges. For the 2002 Awards, the editors compiled their own shortlists and in 2003, they held their first Launch Party to announce the shortlists to about 200 industry guests. The first Awards Concert and ceremony was introduced for the 2008 Awards.


Judging

Each year, the Awards shortlists are drawn up with the help of thousands of theatregoers who log on to nominate their favourites across all 20+ awards categories. Nominations are announced at a star-studded launch event held in early December. Voting then opens and runs until the end of January the following year. In 2012/13, over 60,000 theatregoers logged on to vote, with leaders in many categories fluctuating dramatically from day to day.


Ceremony


2018

The 18th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards concert and ceremony took place on Sunday, 25 February 2018 at the Prince of Wales Theatre.


2019

The 19th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards concert and ceremony took place on Sunday, 3 March 2019 at the Prince of Wales Theatre.


2020

The
2020 WhatsOnStage Awards The 20th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards concert and ceremony took place on Sunday, 1 March 2020 at the Prince of Wales Theatre. It was hosted by theatre star Jodie Prenger and Tom Read Wilson and featured performances from all five nominees for Best ...
concert and ceremony took place on 1 March 2020 at the Prince of Wales Theatre.


2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 WhatsOnStage Awards were held virtually. They did not honour creatives as they traditionally did but instead recognized twenty one members of the public who had supported the theatre industry during the pandemic.


2022

The
2022 WhatsOnStage Awards The WhatsOnStage Awards, founded in 2001 as the Theatregoers' Choice Awards, are a fan-driven set of awards organised by the theatre website WhatsOnStage.com, based on a popular vote recognising performers and productions of English theatre, with ...
concert and ceremony were held on 27 February 2022 at the Prince of Wales Theatre.


Presenters

Presenters of the WhatsOnStage Awards have included
James Corden James Kimberley Corden (born 22 August 1978) is an English television host, actor, comedian, and singer. In the United Kingdom, he is best known for co-writing and starring in the critically acclaimed BBC sitcom ''Gavin & Stacey''. In the Un ...
, Sheridan Smith,
Christopher Biggins Christopher Kenneth Biggins (born 16 December 1948) is an English actor and television presenter. Early life Biggins was born in Oldham, Lancashire, the son of William and Pamela Biggins. He was brought up in Salisbury, Wiltshire, attended St P ...
,
Mel Giedroyc Melanie Clare Sophie Giedroyc (; , born 5 June 1968) is a British actress, comedian and television presenter. With Sue Perkins, she has co-hosted series including ''Light Lunch'' for Channel 4, ''The Great British Bake Off'' for the BBC and cha ...
, Miranda Hart, Alan Davies,
Jenny Eclair Jenny Eclair (born Jenny Clare Hargreaves; 16 March 1960) is an English comedian, novelist, and actress, best known for her roles in ''Grumpy Old Women'' between 2004 and 2007 and in '' Loose Women'' in 2011 and 2012. Early life Eclair was born ...
, Rufus Hound, Steve Furst, Vikki Stone and
Simon Lipkin Simon Lipkin (born 9 January 1986) is a British actor, best known for his work in musical theatre. He has originated roles in several major West End musicals such as ''Avenue Q'' and ''Rock of Ages''. His television work includes ''The Amazing ...
."Whatsonstage Awards History"
Whatsonstage.com, accessed 19 November 2013


Performances

Over the years, guest presenters and performers at the Launch Party have included Graham Norton, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Lesley Garrett, Ryan Molloy, James Earl Jones,
Jools Holland Julian Miles Holland, (born 24 January 1958) is an English pianist, bandleader, singer, composer and television presenter. He was an original member of the band Squeeze and has worked with many artists including Jayne County, Sting, Eric C ...
, Patina Miller, Julian Clary, Jeremy Irons,
Simon Russell Beale Sir Simon Russell Beale (born 12 January 1961) is an English actor. He is known for his appearances in film, television and theatre, and work on radio, on audiobooks and as a narrator. For his services to drama, he was knighted by Queen Elizabe ...
, Bertie Carvel and Meera Syal. West End stars who have performed at the Awards Concerts at the Prince of Wales have included
Alfie Boe Alfred Giovanni Roncalli Boe (born 29 September 1973) is an English tenor and actor, notably performing in musical theatre. He is best known for his performances as Jean Valjean in the musical ''Les Misérables'' at the Queen's Theatre in Lo ...
, Sally Ann Triplett, Ryan Molloy, Jodie Prenger, Hannah Waddingham,
Leanne Jones Leanne Jones (born 21 March 1985) is a British actress best known for her role as Tracy Turnblad in the West End production of the musical ''Hairspray''. In 2008, she won both the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the ...
, Jill Halfpenny, Hadley Fraser, Ramin Karimloo,
Rosemary Ashe Rosemary Ashe (born 28 March 1953) is an English stage actress and singer. Early life and training She was born to Philip Stephen Ashe and Dorothy May (née Watts). She attended Lowestoft Grammar School before studying at the Royal Academy of ...
, Nancy Sullivan, Samantha Barks,
Sarah Lark Sarah Lark (born 28 January 1983) is a Welsh singer and actress who rose to fame when she competed as one of the finalists in the BBC talent show-themed television series '' I'd Do Anything'' in 2008. Background Lark was born in Roath, Cardif ...
, Kim Criswell,
Siobhan McCarthy Siobhán is a female given name of Irish origin. The most common anglicisations are Siobhan (identical to the Irish spelling but omitting the acute accent over the 'a'), Shevaun and Shivaun. A now uncommon spelling variant is Siubhán. It is de ...
,
Julie Atherton Julie Atherton is a British actress and singer. On 3 October 2009, she finished portraying the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in the West End production of '' Avenue Q''. She released her debut album, ''A Girl of Few Words,'' on 2 Octo ...
, Suranne Jones,
Elena Roger Elena Silvia Roger (born October 27, 1974, Buenos Aires, Argentina) is an Argentine actress who won the 2009 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Édith Piaf in '' Piaf''. She has also appeared in the Wes ...
,
Sean Palmer Sean Gregory Palmer (born January 23, 1973) is an American stage and screen actor, singer, and dancer. Palmer's most recognizable role on television is that of Stanford Blatch's boyfriend, Marcus, on the HBO series ''Sex and the City''. Career ...
, Clare Foster, Hannah Waddingham, Dean Chisnall, Brian May, Kerry Ellis, Tim Minchin,
Melanie C Melanie Jayne Chisholm (12 January 1974 - 25 December 2022), better known as Melanie C or Mel C, is an English singer-songwriter and media personality. She is best known as one of the five members of the Spice Girls, during which time she was ni ...
and Sam Tutty.


Venues

The inaugural Launch Party was held at The Venue, before moving to the Dominion Theatre in 2004, Planet Hollywood in 2005 and 2006, and
Café de Paris Café de Paris may refer to: Establishments *Café de Paris (London), a London nightclub * Café de Paris, Chicago, a Chicago nightclub * Café de Paris (restaurant), Geneva * Café de Paris (Rome), a bar in Rome, Italy * Café de Paris (Cubzac-les ...
, where it has been every year since with the exception of the 2009 Awards, when it was held at the London Hippodrome as part of their campaign to save the venue as a performance space. The first Awards Concert and ceremony was introduced for the 2008 Awards and was held at the 960-seat Lyric Theatre. The Concert moved to the 1,100-seat Prince of Wales Theatre for the 2009 Awards and was a sell-out for four straight years - 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The concert moved to the Palace Theatre for the 2013 awards but returned to the Prince of Wales Theatre for 2014.


Award categories

Performance categories * Best Performer in a Musical * Best Supporting Performer in a Musical * Best Performer in a Play * Best Supporting Performer in a Play * Best Professional Debut Performance * Best Takeover In A Role Production categories * Best New Play * Best New Comedy * Best New Musical * Best Play Revival * Best Musical Revival * Best Shakespearean Production * Best Director * Best Set Designer * Best Lighting Designer * Best Video Design * Best Choreographer * Best Original Music Special categories * London Newcomer Of The Year * Best Off-West End Production * Best Regional Production * Best West End Show * Theatre Event Of The Year Defunct categories * Best Actor in a Play * Best Actress in a Play * Best Supporting Actor in a Play * Best Supporting Actress in a Play * Best Actor in a Musical * Best Actress in a Musical * Best Supporting Actor In a Musical * Best Supporting Actress In a Musical * Best Solo Performance * Best Ensemble Performance


Recent winners

2008 *Best Actress in a Play:
Maggie Smith Dame Margaret Natalie Smith (born 28 December 1934) is an English actress. With an extensive career on screen and stage beginning in the mid-1950s, Smith has appeared in more than sixty films and seventy plays. She is one of the few performer ...
 – ''The Lady from Dubuque'' at the Theatre Royal Haymarket *Best Actor in a Play:
Ian McKellen Sir Ian Murray McKellen (born 25 May 1939) is an English actor. His career spans seven decades, having performed in genres ranging from Shakespearean and modern theatre to popular fantasy and science fiction. Regarded as a British cultural i ...
 – ''King Lear'', RSC at the New London *Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Diana Rigg – ''All About My Mother'' at the Old Vic *Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Lee Evans – ''The Dumb Waiter'' at Trafalgar Studios *Best Actress in a Musical: Leanne Jones – ''Hairspray'' at the Shaftesbury *Best Actor in a Musical: Michael Ball – ''Hairspray'' at the Shaftesbury *Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Tracie Bennett – ''Hairspray'' at the Shaftesbury *Best Supporting Actor in a Musical:Ben James-Ellis – ''Hairspray'' at the Shaftesbury *Best Solo Performance: Fiona Shaw – ''Happy Days'' at the NT Lyttelton *Best Ensemble Performance: ''The Taming of the Shrew'' & ''Twelfth Night'' – Propeller at the Old Vic *Best Takeover in a Role: Kerry Ellis – ''Wicked'' at the Apollo Victoria *Best New Play: ''All About My Mother'' by Samuel Adamson – at the Old Vic *Best New Comedy: ''Elling'' by Simon Bent – at the Bush & Trafalgar Studios *Best New Musical: ''Hairspray'' by Marc Shaiman, Scott Whitman, Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan – at the Shaftesbury *Best Play Revival: ''Equus'' – at the Gielgud *Best Musical Revival: ''Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'' – at the Adelphi *The Best Shakespearean Production: ''Macbeth'' – at the Gielgud *Best Director: Jack O’Brien – ''Hairspray'' at the Shaftesbury *Best Set Designer: Rob Howell – ''The Lord of the Rings'' at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane *Best Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell – ''Hairspray'' at the Shaftesbury *London Newcomer of the Year: Daniel Radcliffe – ''Equus'' at the Gielgud *Best Off West End Production: ''A Christmas Carol'' & ''The Magic Flute'' – at the Young Vic and ''I Love You Because'' – at the Landor *Best Regional Production: Pygmalion – at the Theatre Royal Bath & on tour *Theatre Event of the Year: Daniel Radcliffe’s steamy publicity shots for ''Equus'' 2009 *Best Actress in a Play: Katy Stephens – The Histories, RSC at the Roundhouse *Best Actor in a Play: Kenneth Branagh – Ivanov, Donmar West End at Wyndham’s *Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Sophie Thompson – The Female of the Speciesat the Vaudeville *Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Tom Hiddleston – Othello at the Donmar Warehouse & Ivanov, Donmar West End at Wyndham’s *Best Actress in a Musical: Sofia Escobar – ''West Side Story'' at Sadler’s Wells *Best Actor in a Musical: Ryan Molloy – ''Jersey Boys'' at the Prince Edward *Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Tracie Bennett – ''La Cage aux Folles'' at the Playhouse *Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Stephen Ashfield – ''Jersey Boys'' at the Prince Edward *Best Solo Performance: Eddie Izzard – ''Stripped'' at the Lyric *Best Ensemble Performance: ''Into the Hoods'' – at the Novello *Best Takeover in a Role: Daniel Boys – ''Avenue Q'' at the Noël Coward *Books Best New Play: ''Under the Blue Sky'' by David Eldridge – at the Duke of York’s *Best New Comedy: ''Fat Pig'' by Neil LaBute – at Trafalgar Studios & the Comedy *Best New Musical: ''Jersey Boys'' by Bob Gaudio, Bob Crewe, Rick Elice & Marshall Brickman – at the Prince Edward *Best Play Revival: ''Ivanov'', Donmar West End – at Wyndham’s *Best Musical Revival: ''West Side Story'' – at Sadler’s Wells *Best Shakespearean Production: ''Othello'' – at the Donmar Warehouse *Best Director: Michael Grandage – ''Othello'' & ''The Chalk Garden'' at the Donmar Warehouse & ''Ivanov'', Donmar West End at Wyndham’s *Best Set Designer: Klara Zieglerova – ''Jersey Boys'' at the Prince Edward *Best Lighting Designer: Malcolm Rippeth – ''Brief Encounter'' at The Cinema, Haymarket & ''Six Characters in Search of an Author'' at the Gielgud *Best Choreographer: Lynne Page – ''La Cage aux Folles'' at the Menier Chocolate Factory & Playhouse *London Newcomer of the Year: Josh Hartnett – ''Rain Man'' at the Apollo *Best Off West End Production: ''Come Dancing'' – at Theatre Royal Stratford East *Best Regional Production: ''Hamlet'' – RSC at the Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon *Theatre Event of the Year: David Tennant returning to the stage in ''Hamlet'' for the RSC 2010 *Best Actress in a Play: Rachel Weisz - ''A Streetcar Named Desire'' at the Donmar Warehouse *Best Actor in a Play:
Jude Law David Jude Heyworth Law (born 29 December 1972) is an English actor. He received a British Academy Film Award, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards, two Tony Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. In 2007, he received an Honorary Césa ...
- ''Hamlet'', Donmar West End at Wyndham's *Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Miriam Margolyes - ''Endgame'' at the Duchess *Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Patrick Stewart - ''Hamlet'', RSC at the Novello *Best Actress in a Musical: Patina Miller - ''Sister Act'' at the London Palladium *Best Actor in a Musical:
Rowan Atkinson Rowan Sebastian Atkinson (born 6 January 1955) is an English actor, comedian and writer. He played the title roles on the sitcoms '' Blackadder'' (1983–1989) and ''Mr. Bean'' (1990–1995), and the film series ''Johnny English'' (2003–201 ...
- ''Oliver!'' at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane *Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Jodie Prenger - ''Oliver!'' at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane *Best Supporting Actor in a Musical:
Oliver Thornton Oliver Rhoe Thornton (born 10 September 1979) is a stage actor and singer who is best known for his contributions to musical theatre in London's West End theatre, West End. Life and career Early life Thornton was born on 10 September 1979 ...
- ''Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'' at the Palace *Best Solo Performance: Derren Brown - ''Derren Brown: Enigma'' at the Adelphi *Best Ensemble Performance: ''On the Waterfront'' at the Theatre Royal Haymarket *Best Takeover in a Role: John Barrowman - ''La Cage aux Folles'' at the Playhouse *Best New Play: ''Jerusalem'' by Jez Butterworth at the Royal Court Downstairs *Best New Comedy: ''Calendar Girls'' by
Tim Firth Tim Firth (born 13 October 1964) is an English dramatist, screenwriter and songwriter. Life and career Firth was born in Frodsham, England. He spent much of his time at school writing songs and it was only a few weeks before going to Cambrid ...
at the Noël Coward *Best New Musical: ''Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'' by Allan Scott & Stephan Elliott at the Palace *Best Play Revival: ''A Streetcar Named Desire'' at the Donmar Warehouse *Best Musical Revival: ''
Oliver! ''Oliver!'' is a coming-of-age stage musical, with book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the 1838 novel '' Oliver Twist'' by Charles Dickens. It premiered at the Wimbledon Theatre, southwest London in 1960 before op ...
'' at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane *Best Shakespearean Production: ''Hamlet'' - RSC at the Novello *Best Director: Trevor Nunn - ''Inherit the Win''d at the Old Vic & ''A Little Night Music'' at the Menier Chocolate Factory & Garrick *Best Set Designer: Brian Thomson - ''Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'' at the Palace *Best Lighting Designer: Natasha Katz - ''Sister Act'' at the London Palladium at The Cinema, Haymarket, & ''Six Characters in Search of an Author'' at the Gielgud *Best Choreographer: Ross Coleman - ''Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'' at the Palace *London Newcomer of the Year: Diana Vickers - ''The Rise & Fall of Little Voice'' at the Vaudeville *Best Off West End Production: ''The Pirates of Penzance'' at the Union Theatre *Best Regional Production: ''Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall'' Bristol Old Vic & tour *Best West End Show: ''Wicked'' *Theatre Event of the Year: The pairing of Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart in '' Waiting for Godot'' 2011 *Best Actress in a Play: Zoe Wanamaker - ''All My Sons'' at the Apollo *Best Actor in a Play:
David Suchet Sir David Courtney Suchet''England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1916–2007'' ( ; born 2 May 1946) is an English actor known for his work on British stage and television. He portrayed Edward Teller in the television serial '' Oppenh ...
- ''All My Sons'' at the Apollo *Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Tamsin Greig - ''The Little Dog Laughed'' at the Garrick *Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Patrick Stewart - ''Hamlet'', RSC at the Novello *Best Actress in a Musical: Sheridan Smith - ''Legally Blonde'' at the Savoy *Best Actor in a Musical: Ramin Karimloo - ''Love Never Dies'' at the Adelphi *Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Jill Halfpenny - ''Legally Blonde'' at the Savoy *Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Joseph Millson - ''Love Never Dies'' at the Adelphi *Best Solo Performance: Meera Syal - ''Shirley Valentine'' at the Menier Chocolate Factory & Trafalgar Studios 1 *Best Ensemble Performance: ''Les Misérables'' 25th anniversary concert – the company of companies – at The O2 *Best Takeover in a Role: Rachel Tucker - ''Wicked'' at the Apollo Victoria *Best New Play: ''Anne Boleyn'' by
Howard Brenton Howard John Brenton FRSL (born 13 December 1942) is an English playwright and screenwriter. While little-known in the United States, he is celebrated in his home country and often ranked alongside contemporaries such as Edward Bond, Caryl Chur ...
– at Shakespeare's Globe *Best New Comedy: ''Yes, Prime Minister'' by Antony Jay & Jonathan Lynn – at the Gielgud *Best New Musical: ''Legally Blonde'' - by Nell Benjamin, Laurence O'Keefe & Heather Hach – at the Savoy *Best Play Revival: ''Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'' at the Novello *Best Musical Revival: ''Les Misérables'' 25th anniversary production at the Barbican *Best Shakespearean Production: ''Hamlet'' at the National, Olivier *Best Director: Timothy Sheader ''Into the Woods'' & ''The Crucible'' at the Open Air *Best Set Designer: Joanna Scotcher - ''The Railway Children'' at Waterloo Station *Best Lighting Designer: James Farncombe ''Ghost Stories'' at the Lyric Hammersmith & Duke of York’s *Best Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell - ''Legally Blonde'' at the Savoy *London Newcomer of the Year: Jonathan Groff - ''Deathtrap'' at the Noël Coward *Best Off West End Production: ''La Bohème'' at the Cock Tavern, Kilburn & Soho *Best Regional Production: ''Chess'' on tour *Best West End Show: ''Wicked'' *Theatre Event of the Year: ''Les Misérables'' 25th anniversary concert at The 02 & screened to cinemas worldwide 2012 *Best Actress in a Play: Vanessa Redgrave - ''Driving Miss Daisy'' at Wyndham's *Best Actor in a Play:
James Corden James Kimberley Corden (born 22 August 1978) is an English television host, actor, comedian, and singer. In the United Kingdom, he is best known for co-writing and starring in the critically acclaimed BBC sitcom ''Gavin & Stacey''. In the Un ...
- ''One Man, Two Guvnors'' at the National, Lyttelton & Adelphi *Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Catherine Tate - ''Season's Greetings'' at the National, Lyttelton *Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Oliver Chris - ''One Man, Two Guvnors'' at the National, Lyttelton & Adelphi *Best Actress in a Musical: Amanda Holden - ''Shrek the Musical'' at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane *Best Actor in a Musical: Richard Fleeshman - ''Ghost the Musical'' at the Piccadilly *Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Hannah Waddingham - ''The Wizard of Oz'' at the London Palladium *Best Supporting Actor in a Musical:
Nigel Harman Nigel Derek Harman (born 11 August 1973) is an English actor, best known for his role as Dennis Rickman in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He has worked mostly in theatre. He starred in the final series of '' Hotel Babylon ...
- ''Shrek the Musical'' at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane *Best Solo Performance: Kerry Ellis - ''Anthems'' at the Royal Albert Hall *Best Ensemble Performance: ''London Road'' - at the National, Cottesloe *Best Takeover in a Role:
Alfie Boe Alfred Giovanni Roncalli Boe (born 29 September 1973) is an English tenor and actor, notably performing in musical theatre. He is best known for his performances as Jean Valjean in the musical ''Les Misérables'' at the Queen's Theatre in Lo ...
- ''Les Misérables'' at the Queen's *Best New Play: ''Three Days in May'' by Ben Brown - at Trafalgar Studios 1 *Best New Comedy: ''One Man, Two Guvnors'' by Richard Bean - at the National, Lyttelton & Adelphi *Best New Musical: ''Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'' by Allan Scott & Stephan Elliott at the Palace *Best Play Revival: ''Driving Miss Daisy'' at Wyndham's *Best Musical Revival: ''The Wizard of Oz'' at the London Palladium *Best Shakespearean Production: ''Much Ado About Nothing'' at Wyndham's *Best Director: Danny Boyle - ''Frankenstein'' at the National, Olivier *Best Set Designer: Rob Howell - ''Ghost the Musical'' at the Piccadilly & Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge *Best Lighting Designer: Hugh Vanstone - ''Ghost the Musical'' at the Piccadilly *Best Choreographer: Peter Darling - ''Matilda the Musical'' at the Cambridge *London Newcomer of the Year: Tim Minchin - ''Matilda the Musical'' at the Cambridge *Best Off West End Production: ''The Riots'' - at the Tricycle *Best Regional Production: ''Sweeney Todd'' at Chichester Festival *Best West End Show: ''War Horse'' *Theatre Event of the Year: David Tennant & Catherine Tate reuniting on stage in ''Much Ado About Nothing'' 2013 *Best Actress in a Play: Sheridan Smith – Hedda Gabler at the Old Vic *Best Actor in a Play: Rupert Everett – '' The Judas Kiss'' at the Hampstead *Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Natalie Casey - ''Abigail's Party'' at the Menier Chocolate Factor & Wyndham's *Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Stephen Fry – ''Twelfth Night'' at Shakespeare's Globe & the Apollo *Best Actress in a Musical:
Imelda Staunton Imelda Mary Philomena Bernadette Staunton (born 9 January 1956) is an English actress and singer. After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Staunton began her career in repertory theatre in 1976 and appeared in various theatre produ ...
– ''Sweeney Todd'' at the Adelphi *Best Actor in a Musical: Michael Ball – ''Sweeney Todd'' at the Adelphi *Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Melanie C – ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' at the O2 *Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Tim Minchin – ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' at the O2 *Best Solo Performance: Idina Menzel – ''Idina Menzel'' at the Apollo *Best Ensemble Performance: ''Richard III'' & ''Twelfth Night'' – at Shakespeare's Globe & the Apollo *Best Takeover in a Role: Ramin Karimloo – ''Les Misérables'' at the Queen's *Best New Play: ''The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time'' by Simon Stephens – at the National, Cottesloe *Best New Comedy: ''The Ladykillers'' by Graham Linehan – at the Gielgud *Best New Musical: ''The Bodyguard'' by Alex Dinelaris – at the Adelphi *Best Play Revival: ''Abigail's Party'' – at the Menier Chocolate Factory & Wyndham's *Best Musical Revival: ''Sweeney Todd'' – at the Adelphi *Best Shakespearean Production: ''Twelfth Night'' – at Shakespeare's Globe & the Apollo *Best Director: Jonathan Kent – ''Sweeney Todd'' at the Adelphi *Best Set Designer: Tom Scutt – ''The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe'' at Kensington Gardens & ''Constellations'' at the Royal Court Upstairs & Duke of York's *Best Lighting Designer: Mark Henderson – ''Sweeney Todd'' at the Adelphi *Best Choreographer: Andrew Wright – ''Singin' in the Rain'' at the Palace *Best Original Music: ''Sweet Smell of Success'' –
Marvin Hamlisch Marvin Frederick Hamlisch (June 2, 1944 – August 6, 2012) was an American composer and conductor. Hamlisch was one of only seventeen people to win Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards. This collection of all four is referred to as an " EGOT ...
at the Arcola *London Newcomer of the Year: Will Young – ''Cabaret'' at the Savoy *Best Off West End Production: ''Taboo'' – at the Brixton Club House *Best Regional Production: ''American Idiot'' – on tour *Best West End Show: ''Les Misérables'' – at the Queen's *Theatre Event of the Year: Danny Boyle's Olympics Opening Ceremony 2014 *Best Actress in a Play: Dame
Helen Mirren Dame Helen Mirren (born Helen Lydia Mironoff; born 26 July 1945) is an English actor. The recipient of numerous accolades, she is the only performer to have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting in both the United States and the United Kingdom. ...
in ''The Audience'' *Best Actor in a Play: Daniel Radcliffe in '' The Cripple of Inishmaan'' *Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Haydn Gwynne in ''The Audience'' *Best Supporting Actor in a Play: David Walliams in ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'' *Best Actress in a Musical: Scarlett Strallen in ''A Chorus Line'' and ''Candide'' *Best Actor in a Musical: Gavin Creel in ''The Book of Mormon'' *Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Alexia Khadime in ''The Book of Mormon'' *Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Stephen Ashfield in ''The Book of Mormon'' *Best Solo Performance: Barry Humphries in ''Eat Pray Laugh!'' *Best Ensemble Performance: ''A Chorus Line'' at the London Palladium *Best Takeover in a Role: Carrie Hope Fletcher in ''Les Misérables'' *Best New Play: ''The Audience'' by Peter Morgan *Best New Comedy: ''The Play That Goes Wrong'' by Henry Shields, Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer *Best New Musical: ''The Book of Mormon'' at the Prince of Wales Theatre *Best Play Revival: ''To Kill A Mockingbird'' at the Open Air Theatre *Best Musical Revival: ''The Sound of Music'' at the Open Air Theatre *Best Shakespearean Production: ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'' at the Noël Coward Theatre *Best Director: Michael Grandage for the Michael Grandage Season *Best Set Designer: Mark Thompson for ''Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'' *Best Lighting Designer: Adam Silverman for ''Macbeth'' *Best Choreographer:
Peter Darling Peter Darling (born 25 October 1963) is an English dancer and choreographer best known for his award-winning work in ''Billy Elliot the Musical''. In 2010 he choreographed ''Matilda the Musical'' at the RSC's Courtyard Theatre, which has since tr ...
for ''Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'' *Best Original Music: ''Once'' by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova *London Newcomer of the Year: Rupert Grint in ''Mojo'' *Best Off West End Production: ''Titanic'' at Southwark Playhouse *Best Regional Production: ''My Fair Lady'' at the Crucible *Best West End Show: ''Matilda the Musical'' *Theatre Event of the Year: National Theatre's 50th anniversary gala 2015 *Best Actress in a Play: Billie Piper in ''Great Britain'' *Best Actor in a Play: David Tennant in ''Richard II'' *Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Vanessa Kirby in ''A Streetcar Named Desire'' *Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Mark Gatiss in ''Coriolanus'' *Best Actress in a Musical: Eva Noblezada in ''Miss Saigon'' *Best Actor in a Musical: Jon Jon Briones in ''Miss Saigon'' *Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Rachelle Ann Go in ''Miss Saigon'' *Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Kwang Ho Hong in ''Miss Saigon'' *Best Takeover in a Role: Kerry Ellis for ''Wicked'' *Best New Play: ''Shakespeare in Love'' *Best New Musical: ''Memphis the Musical'' *Best Play Revival: ''Coriolanus'' *Best Musical Revival: ''Miss Saigon'' *Best Director: Laurence Connor for ''Miss Saigon'' *Best Set Designer: Totie Driver & Matt Kinley for ''Miss Saigon'' *Best Lighting Designer: Mark Henderson for ''Coriolanus'' *Best Choreographer: Bob Avian & Geoffrey Garratt for ''Miss Saigon'' *Best Off West End Production: ''Sweeney Todd'' at Twickenham Theatre *Best Regional Production: ''Oliver!'' at Sheffield Theatres *Best West End Show: ''Miss Saigon'' 2016 *Best Actress in a Play: Nicole Kidman for ''Photograph 51'' *Best Actor in a Play: Benedict Cumberbatch for ''Hamlet'' *Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Judi Dench, ''The Winter’s Tale'' *Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Mark Gatiss, ''Three Days in the Country'' *Best Actress in a Musical:
Imelda Staunton Imelda Mary Philomena Bernadette Staunton (born 9 January 1956) is an English actress and singer. After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Staunton began her career in repertory theatre in 1976 and appeared in various theatre produ ...
, ''Gypsy'' *Best Actor in a Musical: Matt Henry, ''Kinky Boots'' *Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Lara Pulver, ''Gypsy'' *Best Supporting Actor in a Musical:
David Bedella David Bedella (born September 25, 1962) is an American actor. He is currently based in London and is best known for his Olivier award-winning roles in ''Jerry Springer – The Opera'', ''In The Heights'' and ''& Juliet''. Early life Bedella wa ...
, ''In The Heights'' *Best New Play: ''Photograph 51'' by Anna Ziegler *Best New Musical: ''Kinky Boots'' at the Adelphi Theatre *Best Play Revival: ''Hamlet'' at the Barbican *Best Musical Revival: ''Gypsy'' at the Savoy Theatre *Best Director: Jonathan Kent for ''Gypsy'' *Best Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell for ''Kinky Boots'' *Best Set Designer: Es Devlin for ''Hamlet'' *Best Lighting Designer: Jane Cox for ''Hamlet'' *Best Off West End Production: ''Carrie the Musical'' at Southwark Playhouse *Best Regional Production: ''Mary Poppins'', UK tour *Best West End Show: ''Les Miserables'' *Equity Award for Services to Theatre: Kenneth Branagh 2017 *Best Actress in a Play: Billie Piper for ''Yerma'' *Best Actor in a Play: Jamie Parker for ''Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'' *Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Noma Dumezweni for ''Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'' *Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Anthony Boyle for ''Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'' *Best Actress in a Musical:
Amber Riley Amber Patrice Riley (born February 15, 1986), sometimes known mononymously as RILEY, is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her portrayal of Mercedes Jones on the Fox comedy-drama series ''Glee'' (2009–2015). For her perform ...
for ''Dreamgirls'' *Best Actor in a Musical: Charlie Stemp for ''Half a Sixpence'' *Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Emma Williams for ''Half a Sixpence'' *Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Trevor Dion Nicholas for ''Disney's Aladdin'' *Best New Play: ''Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'' *Best New Musical: ''School of Rock'' *Best Play Revival: ''No Man's Land'' *Best Musical Revival: ''Funny Girl'' *Best Director: John Tiffany for ''Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'' *Best Set Designer: Christine Jones for ''Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'' *Best Lighting Designer: Neil Austin for ''Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'' *Best Video Design:
Finn Ross Finn Ross (born 1982) is a Scottish video designer working internationally. He works primarily on stage productions in the London's West End and on Broadway in the USA.  He has also worked extensively in opera throughout Europe and has collabor ...
and Ash Woodward for ''Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'' *Best Choreographer: Andrew Wright for ''Half a Sixpence'' *Best Off West End Production: ''The Last Five Years'', St James Theatre *Best Regional Production: ''The Girls'', National tour *Best West End Show: ''Wicked'' and ''Les Misérables'' *Equity Award for Services to Theatre: Cameron Mackintosh 2018 *Best Actress in a Play:
Olivia Colman Sarah Caroline Sinclair ( Colman; born 30 January 1974), known professionally as Olivia Colman, is an English actress. Known for her comedic and dramatic roles in film and television, she has received various accolades, including an Academy A ...
for Mosquitoes *Best Actor in a Play: David Tennant for ''Don Juan in Soho'' *Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Juliet Stevenson for ''Hamlet'' *Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Fra Fee for ''The Ferryman'' *Best Actress in a Musical: Carrie Hope Fletcher for ''The Addams Family'' *Best Actor in a Musical:
John McCrea John is a common English name and surname: * John (given name) * John (surname) John may also refer to: New Testament Works * Gospel of John, a title often shortened to John * First Epistle of John, often shortened to 1 John * Second ...
for ''Everybody's Talking About Jamie'' *Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Lucie Shorthouse for ''Everybody's Talking About Jamie'' *Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Ross Noble for ''Young Frankenstein'' *Best New Play: ''The Ferryman'' *Best New Musical: ''Everybody's Talking About Jamie'' *Best Play Revival: ''Hamlet'' *Best Musical Revival: ''42nd Street'' *Best Director:
Sam Mendes Sir Samuel Alexander Mendes (born 1 August 1965) is a British film and stage director, producer, and screenwriter. In 2000, Mendes was appointed a CBE for his services to drama, and he was Knight Bachelor, knighted in the 2020 New Year Honour ...
for ''The Ferryman'' *Best Set Designer: Douglas W, Schmidt for ''42nd Street'' *Best Lighting Designer: Patrick Woodroffe for ''Bat Out of Hell'' *Best Video Design: 59 Productions for ''An American in Paris'' *Best Choreographer:
Randy Skinner Randy Skinner is an American dancer, director and choreographer, primarily for the stage. He has been nominated four times for Tony Awards, three times for Drama Desk Awards, and four times for Outer Critics Circle Awards for choreography. Ear ...
for ''42nd Street'' *Best Off West End Production: ''Hair'', The Vaults *Best Regional Production: ''Sunset Boulevard'', National tour *Best Original Cast Recording: ''Les Misérables'' *Best Show Poster: ''Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'' *Best West End Show: ''Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'' *Equity Award for Services to Theatre: Sonia Friedman 2022 *Best performer in a male identifying role in a musical: Eddie Redmayne - ''Cabaret'', Playhouse Theatre, London *Best performer in a female identifying role in a musical: Carrie Hope Fletcher - ''Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella'', Gillian Lynne Theatre, London *Best supporting performer in a male identifying role in a musical:
Hugh Coles Hugh Coles (born 5 September 1992) is an English film and television actor. He is known for his roles in ''The Festival'' (2018), ''Defending the Guilty'' (2019) and ''Atlanta'' (2022) as well as originating the role of George McFly in '' Back ...
- ''Back to the Future the Musical'', Manchester Opera House and Adelphi Theatre, London *Best supporting performer in a female identifying role in a musical:
Carly Mercedes Dyer Carly is a given name, a feminine form of Carl (name), Carl.#H1, Hanks; Hardcastle; Hodges (2006) p. 47. It is also a pet form of given names such as Carla and Caroline (given name), Caroline. Variant different spellings include Carley (name), Carl ...
- ''Anything Goes'', Barbican Centre, London *Best performer in a male identifying role in a play: James McAvoy - ''Cyrano de Bergerac'', Playhouse Theatre, London *Best performer in a female identifying role in a play: Lily Allen - ''2:22 A Ghost Story'', Noel Coward Theatre, London *Best supporting performer in a male identifying role in a play: Jake Wood - ''2:22 A Ghost Story'' *Best supporting performer in a female identifying role in a play:
Akiya Henry Akiya Henry is a British actress. She is best known for her theatre work, winning a WhatsOnStage Award and earning a Laurence Olivier Award nomination. Early life Henry was born in London and, at six months old, placed in foster care with her ...
- ''The Tragedy of Macbeth'', Almeida Theatre, London *Best new musical: ''Back to the Future the Musical'' *Best musical revival: ''Anything Goes'' *Best new play: ''2:22 A Ghost Story'' *Best play revival: ''Cyrano de Bergerac'' *Best off-West End production: ''My Son's A Queer but What Can You Do?'' - The Turbine Theatre *Best regional theatre production: ''Rent'' - Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester *Best West End show: ''Six the Musical'' - Vaudeville Theatre *Best direction: Michael Grandage - ''Frozen'', Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London *Best choreography: Rob Ashford - ''Frozen'' *Best set design: Christopher Oram - ''Frozen'' *Best costume design: Christopher Oram - ''Frozen'' *Best lighting design:
Tim Lutkin Tim Lutkin is a British lighting designer for theatre and live events. Life and career Tim was born in Beverley, England. He moved to London in 2005. He graduated from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. He has designed for production compani ...
- ''Back to the Future the Musical'' *Best musical direction or supervision:
Stephen Oremus Stephen Oremus (born 1971) is an American musician who has worked on Broadway theatre productions as musical director and as orchestrator. His credits include arranger and orchestrator for the music for ''Avenue Q'', musical director and arranger ...
- ''Frozen'' *Best sound design: Gareth Owen - ''Back to the Future the Musical'' *Best video design: Finn Ross - ''Frozen'' *Best graphic design: Bob King Creative - ''Frozen''


Past winners

* WhatsOnStage Awards Results - 2001 *
WhatsOnStage Awards Results - 2002 The WhatsOnStage Awards, founded in 2001 as the Theatregoers' Choice Awards, are a fan-driven set of awards organised by the theatre website WhatsOnStage.com, based on a popular vote recognising performers and productions of English theatre, with a ...
* WhatsOnStage Awards Results - 2003 * WhatsOnStage Awards Results - 2004 * WhatsOnStage Awards Results - 2005 *
WhatsOnStage Awards Results - 2006 The WhatsOnStage Awards, founded in 2001 as the Theatregoers' Choice Awards, are a fan-driven set of awards organised by the theatre website WhatsOnStage.com, based on a popular vote recognising performers and productions of English theatre, with an ...
*
WhatsOnStage Awards Results - 2007 The WhatsOnStage Awards, founded in 2001 as the Theatregoers' Choice Awards, are a fan-driven set of awards organised by the theatre website WhatsOnStage.com, based on a popular vote recognising performers and productions of English theatre, with an ...


See also

*
WhatsOnStage.com WhatsOnStage.com is a London-based website that provides information about, and offers tickets for, theatrical performances in the United Kingdom. It also organises the annual WhatsOnStage Awards. Founded in 1996, it has been owned by the Americ ...


References


External links


Official website
{{WhatsOnStage Awards British theatre awards Awards for projection designers