UK Theatre Awards 2024 Winners Announced
The winners of the 2024 UK Theatre Awards have been revealed, celebrating the best in stage productions across the country. The prestigious awards ceremony took place in central London, highlighting outstanding achievements in theatre, opera, and dance.
Leeds Playhouse’s revival of Oliver! was one of the evening’s standout productions, picking up two major awards: Best Musical Production and Best Performance in a Musical, with Jenny Fitzpatrick being honored for her portrayal of Nancy.
Chumisa Dornford-May also earned recognition, winning Best Supporting Performance for her role in Evita at Curve Leicester. Dornford-May is set to star in the UK premiere of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 later this year. Drew McOnie, the newly appointed artistic director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, won Best Director for his work on The Artist at Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Other notable winners included Rhino at Lyric Theatre Belfast, which took home the Best Play Revival award, and Swim, Aunty, Swim! at Belgrade Theatre, which won Best New Play. In the dance category, Aakash Odedra Company and Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company won Achievement in Dance for Mehek, and Welsh National Opera’s Death in Venice earned Best Achievement in Opera.
Beyond the onstage talent, the awards also celebrated excellence behind the scenes. The Royal Shakespeare Company won Excellence in Arts Education, while Chichester Festival Theatre took home the Excellence in Sustainability award. Polka Theatre was named the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre.
The UK Theatre Awards continue to spotlight the nation’s vibrant performing arts scene, honoring the talent and creativity that bring productions to life across the country.
Full List of 2024 Winners:
- Best Musical Production: Oliver! at Leeds Playhouse
- Best Performance in a Musical: Jenny Fitzpatrick for Oliver!
- Best Supporting Performance: Chumisa Dornford-May for Evita
- Best Director: Drew McOnie for The Artist
- Best Play Revival: Rhino at Lyric Theatre Belfast
- Best New Play: Swim, Aunty, Swim! at Belgrade Theatre
- Achievement in Dance: Mehek by Aakash Odedra Company and Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company
- Achievement in Opera: Death in Venice by Welsh National Opera
- Best Performance in a Play: David Shields for Punch
- Best Show for Children and Young People: Beauty and the Beast at Stephen Joseph Theatre
- Excellence in Arts Education: Royal Shakespeare Company
- Excellence in Touring: Parti Priodas by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru
- Excellence in Inclusivity: Antony and Cleopatra at Shakespeare’s Globe
- Excellence in Sustainability: Chichester Festival Theatre
- Workforce Award: Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre
- UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre: Polka Theatre
The 2024 UK Theatre Awards shine a spotlight on the dynamic and diverse productions that continue to captivate audiences across the nation.
