The West End’s brightest stars and most dedicated fans gathered last night at the historic Lyric Theatre for the second annual Stalls to Stage Awards. Founded by Bri O’Reilly to celebrate the intersection of theatrical excellence and community connection, the 2026 ceremony marked the first time the awards were held before a live, public audience in the heart of London’s West End.
The evening was a monumental triumph for the West End production of Hadestown, which dominated the musical categories with a staggering seven wins, including Best Actor in a Musical for Dylan Wood. The production also saw success for its creative and supporting cast, with Victoria Hamilton-Baritt taking home Best Takeover and Desmonda Cathabel winning Best Debut.
In the play categories, the National Theatre’s Dear England continued its winning streak, securing Best Play and earning James Graham the trophy for Best Writer. Giles Terera was named Best Actor in a Play for his commanding performance in Hamlet, while Anoushka Deshmukh took home Best Actress for Marriage Material.
The two awards given by the founder – The Gavin Creel Community Champion Award, and the Founders Spotlight Award – were announced today on social media. The Gavin Creel Community Champion Award went to Michael Sheen for his work bringing the Welsh National Theatre to life. The Founders Spotlight Award went to Simon Lipkin for the performance of a lifetime he’s delivered and continues to deliver in Oliver!
2026 Winners List
Play Categories
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Best Play: Dear England, National Theatre
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Best Actor: Giles Terera, Hamlet
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Best Actress: Anoushka Deshmukh, Marriage Material
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Best Supporting Actor: Emmanuel Akwafo, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
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Best Supporting Actress: Ronke Adekoluejo, The Importance of Being Earnest
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Best Writer: James Graham, Dear England
Musical Categories
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Best Musical: Oliver!, Gielgud Theatre
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Best Actor: Dylan Wood, Hadestown
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Best Actress: Lauren Drew, Titanique
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Best Supporting Actor: Jamie Muscato, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
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Best Supporting Actress: Rachel Tucker, The Great Gatsby
Creative & Technical Awards
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Best Director: Matthew Bourne, Oliver!
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Best Choreography: Dominique Kelly, The Great Gatsby
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Best Creative Design (Set): Paul Tate dePoo III, The Great Gatsby
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Best Costume Design: Linda Cho, The Great Gatsby
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Best Wigs, Hair, and Makeup: Jennifer Mullins and Team, Hadestown
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Best Casting: Jacob Sparrow, Hadestown
Performance Categories
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Screen Stars on Stage: Rachel Zegler, Evita
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Best Non-Binary Performer: Jaz Triadi, Hadestown
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Best Debut: Desmonda Cathabel (Hadestown) & Diego Andres Rodriguez (Evita)
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Best Takeover: Victoria Hamilton Baritt, Hadestown
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Best Performance by a Cover/Alternate: Allie Daniel, Hadestown
Production Categories
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Staged Concert Production: Sondheim on Sondheim, Alexandra Palace
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Live Concert Event: Jeremy Jordan at Royal Albert Hall
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Best Touring Production: Dear Evan Hansen
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Best Regional Production: Jesus Christ Superstar, Watermill Theatre.
Special Recognitions
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Gavin Creel Community Champion Award: Michael Sheen
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Founders Spotlight Award: Simon Lipkin
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