The highly anticipated Stage Debut Awards, the esteemed annual event dedicated to celebrating breakthrough talent both on and off the stage, has announced its return for 2025. In a significant move, global streaming giant Netflix has stepped in as the headline sponsor, amplifying the awards' commitment to recognizing and championing emerging theatrical artists across the UK.
The prestigious live ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, September 28th, 2025, promising an unforgettable evening dedicated to honouring the exceptional achievements of performers and creatives who have made their professional debuts on UK stages over the preceding twelve months.
Now entering its ninth year, The Stage Debut Awards has become a cornerstone of the theatre awards calendar. Returning to the elegant 8 Northumberland Avenue in London, the event will bring together the freshest faces in the industry alongside established luminaries for a night of celebration featuring captivating performances from the heart of Theatreland.
This year marks a pivotal moment as Netflix joins forces with The Stage as the headline sponsor. Anne Mensah, VP Content, Netflix UK, expressed the company's enthusiasm, stating, "We are really excited to be supporting this year's Stage Debut Awards, the only UK awards dedicated to recognising breakthrough theatre talent from all backgrounds right across the UK. It's a partnership that we hope will build on our longstanding relationships with BAFTA Breakthrough, the National Youth Theatre and many others - all of whom, like us, are committed to discovering and championing the next generation of British creative talent."
Alistair Smith, editor of The Stage, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We're absolutely delighted to welcome Netflix as the headline sponsor of The Stage Debut Awards. These awards are a celebration of the extraordinary new talent entering the theatre industry, and having the backing of a global leader in entertainment allows us to champion emerging artists with even greater impact. Netflix's support is a powerful vote of confidence in the future of British theatre and the exciting individuals shaping its next chapter."
Since its inception in 2017, The Stage Debut Awards has proven to be a significant career catalyst. Alumni have gone on to achieve considerable success in both theatre and screen, with past winners including the creators of the Olivier Award-winning and Tony-nominated Operation Mincemeat, Rob Madge (My Son's a Queer, (But What Can You Do?)), Jodie Comer (Prima Facie), and Sam Grabiner, who recently joined the ranks of Olivier Award winners.
The eight categories for the 2025 awards will celebrate excellence in performance, directing, design, writing, and composition, including Best Performer in a Play, Best Performer in a Musical, Best Director, Best Writer, Best Designer, Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer, and Best West End Creative Debut. Notably, the Best West End Debut Performer award is decided by a public vote.
Submissions for the 2025 awards will open on May 29th, inviting both industry professionals and theatregoers to nominate eligible performers and creatives who made their professional debut between July 18th, 2024, and July 17th, 2025. The shortlist of nominees will be announced in August, with further details about the ceremony to be released soon. For comprehensive information on eligibility and the judging process, please visit www.thestage.co.uk/awards/the-stage-debut-awards.
