Nominations open for the 27th WhatsOnStage Awards
Theatregoers can now nominate shows and performers for the 27th WhatsOnStage Awards. Nominations opened at 12pm on Thursday 5 November 2026 and close at 12pm on 24 November 2026.
The awards are decided by audiences rather than a panel. WhatsOnStage describes them as the only major UK theatre awards chosen by theatregoers themselves. Anyone can take part in the nomination round, and the public votes make up the shortlist.
There are 14 categories in all. Six are for individual performers: Best Performer in a Musical, Best Supporting Performer in a Musical, The SINE Digital Best Performer in a Play, Best Supporting Performer in a Play, Best Takeover Performance, and Best Professional Debut Performance. A takeover is when an understudy or replacement actor takes over a leading role during a show's run.
The other eight honour productions. They include The Travelzoo Best New Musical, Best Musical Revival, Best New Play, The Londoner Best Play Revival, and Dewynters Best West End Show. There is also Best Concert Event, Best Regional Production for shows outside London, and The Theatrical Rights Worldwide Best Studio Production, which covers smaller-scale work.
The ceremony is on Sunday 28 February 2027 at The London Palladium, the West End theatre on Argyll Street. It starts at 6:30pm. WhatsOnStage says the evening will include live performances from stage talent and a live orchestra.
Gina Murray and Mazz Murray will host the event. Alex Parker and Damian Sandys, the creative directors, are co-producing it. Tickets for the awards concert are on sale now.
The timetable is short. Nominations close in less than three weeks, so anyone who wants to put forward a show or performer will need to act before 24 November. The shortlist and winners will follow after the nomination round.
