The Stage Debut Awards are today announcing a stellar line-up of guest presenters and performances from the West End’s most popular musicals for their annual ceremony, in association with ATG Entertainment. As the UK’s only awards dedicated to celebrating breakthrough theatre talent, this prestigious event shines a spotlight on the industry’s rising stars from performers, directors, writers, composers and lyricists to set, costume, lighting, sound and video design.
Some of the biggest names in theatre will gather on Sunday, September 29, at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London to honour this year’s standout talent. After her own triumphant debut as host last year, legendary drag artist, performer and singer Divina De Campo returns to once again lead the ceremony. The evening will recognise 49 nominees across eight categories — all who made remarkable professional debuts over the past year.
The awards will be presented by a star-studded roll call of well-known personalities including actor and writer Stephen Mangan, whose impressive 30-year career includes standout roles in the BAFTA-winning Green Wing and on stage in The Birthday Party.
Joining Stephen Mangan is his The Birthday Party co-star Pearl Mackie, who first gained prominence for her captivating portrayal of Bill Potts in Doctor Who. As the show’s first openly gay companion, Pearl made a significant impact with her role in the iconic sci-fi TV series and will also be seen on stage in White Rabbit Red Rabbit at @sohoplace. This year she also appeared in The Human Body at the Donmar Warehouse alongside Keeley Hawes.
Also presenting are singer, actor and former X Factor contestant Diana Vickers, who recently earned acclaim for her performance as Gwyneth Paltrow in I Wish You Well at the Edinburgh Fringe which will be transferring to the Criterion in the West End, and Harry Potter star Alfred Enoch, best known for his role in the global wizard franchise as Dean Thomas and in Shonda Rhimes’ thriller How to Get Away with Murder. Alfred will also be seen in White Rabbit Red Rabbit at @sohoplace and was cast alongside 2023 Best West End Debut performer star Rose Ayling-Ellis in As You Like It in her winning role.
Representing the behind-the-scenes talent is directing powerhouse and Bush Theatre artistic director Lynette Linton. With her most recent West End shows—Shifters and upcoming Barcelona, starring Lily Collins—at the Duke of York’s Theatre, Lynette is currently one of the most sought-after directors in theatre and also a previous The Stage Debuts winner.
The evening also welcomes Tony and Olivier award-winning designer Rae Smith, celebrated for her innovative work on War Horse. Her designs can also currently be seen in Hello, Dolly! playing at the London Palladium and Waiting for Godot, which opens at Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Meanwhile musical powerhouse duo Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, creators of Six and newly opened West End production Why Am I So Single? will present Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer. Completing these prestigious creatives is Chris Bush, the Book Writer of the Olivier award-winning Best New Musical Standing at the Sky’s Edge.
The ceremony will feature performances from some of the hottest shows on the West End. Georgina Castle, currently playing the infamous Regina George in Mean Girls at the Savoy Theatre, will perform a number from the show. Joining her is Timmika Ramsay, who is dazzling audiences as Miss Adelaide in the hit revival of Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, who will also perform a number from this legendary musical. Divina De Campo, whose performance last year was a hit with the audience, will also take the stage with another iconic number while celebrated actor, comedian and writer, Nick Mohammed is set to perform in the guise of his acclaimed and hilarious alter-ego Mr. Swallow in a very special and exclusive performance.
The Stage Debut Award winners will be announced on September 29 2024 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London. With thanks to our headline sponsors ATG Entertainment as well as Theatrical Rights Worldwide, Michael Harrison Entertainment, Arts Council England, Preevue, Sonia Friedman Productions, Crossroads Live, Noël Coward Foundation and Trafalgar Entertainment.
For table bookings please contact Sarah DuMay, [email protected]
In 2017, The Stage launched The Stage Debut Awards to celebrate breakthrough theatre talent. They are the only awards dedicated to recognising emerging theatre actors and creatives, from all backgrounds, at a point in their careers when the recognition can really make a difference.
Since its launch, the winners have gone on to win Olivier awards, film BBC dramas, perform on Broadway, design for the National Theatre and direct at the Royal Exchange.
Notable award winners include Jodie Comer (Prima Facie), Rose Ayling-Ellis (As You Like It), Tyrell Williams (Red Pitch), Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen), Miriam-Teak Lee (& Juliet), Rob Madge (My Son’s a Queer, (But What Can You Do?)) Arinzé Kene (Misty), and Composers Femi Temowo (Death of a Salesman) and Dan Gillespie Sells (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie).
