The Critics’ Circle Drama Section today announce that this year’s Theatre Awards 2025 will be held on Thursday 27 March, 12pm – 2pm. Hosted by Mark Lawson, the event will take place at the National Theatre for the very first time.
The only awards to be entirely voted for by the professional theatre critics who are members of the Circle, the ten awards presented are Best Director, The Peter Hepple Award for Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Designer sponsored by Cabbells, The Michael Billington Award for Best New Play, The Trewin Award for Best Shakespearean Performance, The Jack Tinker Award for Best Newcomer sponsored by Finito, The Most Promising Playwright Award and The Empty Space Peter Brook Award for Innovative Venue, which recognises a theatre space that embodies the spirit of director Peter Brook.
The Awards are made possible through the generous support of Nyman Libson Paul who have supported the Awards for over two decades. In addition, the Critics Circle are pleased to announce a new partnership with Cabbells, who are sponsoring the Best Designer Award, and a continued relationship with Finto, the Employability Experts, who are once again sponsoring The Jack Tinker Award for Best Newcomer, and the Trewin Family who created the Best Shakespearean Performance Award.
Chair of the Critics’ Circle Drama Section, Rosemary Waugh said today, “At a time when we hear so many negative stories about the arts and theatre industries in Britain, it’s a real joy to organise an event that purely celebrates the talent, creativity and brilliance - and resilience - of actors, playwrights, directors and designers. It’s a myth that critics enjoy panning shows - what we really love is being able to loudly sing the praises of the plays and musicals we think are truly excellent. The breadth and variety of the votes for this year’s awards really demonstrated the wide-reaching knowledge and passions of our membership, and the winners are all extremely deserving. I can’t wait to celebrate with them all!”
This is the third year of the acclaimed Empty Space…Peter Brook Award being part of the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards. Founded by Blanche Marvin MBE, the award recognises a theatre that embodies the spirit of Peter Brook, both in its use of space and in relationship to its locality. This year, Niki Marvin, an Oscar-nominated director/producer, has taken over the running of the award.
The nominees for the 2025 Empty Space…Peter Brook Award are:
The Barn Theatre, Cirencester
Summerhall, Edinburgh
The Yard, London
Royal & Derngate, Northampton
NOTES TO EDITORS:
THE SPONSORS:
NYMAN LIBSON PAUL LLP
We have been a proud sponsor of The Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards for over two decades and we extend our congratulations to all this year’s nominees and winners.
Our story began in 1933 as an accountancy firm dedicated to supporting those who dared to dream, create, and inspire.
Today, we are recognised as one of the leading accountancy firms within the world of theatre, with our dedicated Theatre Production Department offering specialist services such as applications for theatre tax credits, royalty audits and expert advice on foreign entertainers, alongside our core accounting services.
CABBELLS
Cabbells' sponsorship of the Best Design category at the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards underscores their dedication to the arts community and recognition of the vital role that design plays in theatre production. Sarah Simpson, Managing Director, said: “We are passionate about supporting the arts and recognising the creative talents that bring stories to life on stage. Sponsoring the design category aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence in design and the performing arts, and we are thrilled to celebrate the designers who enhance the theatrical experience for audiences everywhere.”
At Cabbells, we believe that exceptional design is at the heart of every great story. Whether through video, podcasts, theatre programmes or digital media, our work is driven by a commitment to creativity, clarity and impact. Just as set design shapes a production – bringing stories to life on stage – our designs enhance engagement across platforms. This synergy is why we are proud to sponsor the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Design, celebrating the vision and expertise that make theatre, and all forms of storytelling, truly unforgettable.
FINITO
Finito are the Employability Experts who help countless young people make the transition from education to employment. Their knowledge of the changing jobs market underpins their commitment to helping the next generation fulfil their potential across all sectors. Finito offer bespoke tutoring programmes both in-house and in partnership with educational institutions to those nearing the end of their studies. In additional this, they also offer mentoring to those already in employment who are looking to make a bold new career move.
Finito’s passionate commitment to nurturing the best new talent, now and in the future, coalesces with their continued sponsorship of The Jack Tinker Best Newcomer Award.
“Everything that we do is about inspiring the next generation, which is why this award resonates,” said Ronel Lehmann, Chief Executive, Finito.
THE TREWIN FAMILY
From 2000 to 2015, the John and Wendy Trewin Award for Best Shakespearian Performance was awarded in memory of two of the UK’s leading critics. In 2016, the award was renamed the Trewin Award for Best Shakespearean Performance and re-dedicated to the memory of John and Wendy’s son Ion, a very popular publisher, writer and the literary director of the Man Booker Prize. Previous recipients include Judi Dench, David Tennant, Glenda Jackson, Samuel West, Andrew Scott, Sophie Okonedo, Cush Jumbo and Arthur Hughes.
