Nominees announced for the annual Stage Debut Awards 2024.
The Stage Debut Awards announce today the nominees for its annual awards ceremony, celebrating the finest emerging talent in UK theatre. This year’s 44 nominations across eight categories celebrate a diverse array of individuals from across the industry making their professional or West End debuts.
Among the highlights of this year’s nominations is the fiercely contested Best West End Debut Performer category—the only award decided by public vote. This category features some of the most celebrated names from stage and screen, including Olivier award-winner Will Close for his iconic portrayal of footballer Harry Kane in Dear England, Olivier award-nominee Jack Wolfe for his magnetic performance in Next to Normal, Emmy award-winner Billy Crudup, best known for starring opposite Reece Witherspoon and Jennifer Anniston on The Morning Show, for his solo performance in Harry Clarke, and Ted Lasso star and Emmy award-nominee Toheeb Jimoh for his role in Player Kings opposite Ian McKellen. Other notable nominees this year include Francesca Amewudah-Rivers for her starring role opposite Tom Holland in Jamie Lloyd’s Romeo and Juliet, Grace Hodgett Young for her role as Betty Schaefer alongside Nicole Scherzinger in the Olivier Award-winning Sunset Boulevard (for which she is also nominated for Best Performer in a Musical), and Ed Larkin for his poignant portrayal in The Little Big Things. Larkin, in his role as Henry Fraser, is the first actor in a wheelchair to lead a West End musical. Finally, Louis McCartney is nominated for his performance in the Olivier award-winning Stranger Things: The First Shadow, earning nods for both Best West End Debut Performer and Best Performer in a Play.
A legendary name gracing this year’s list is Grammy award-winner Elvis Costello, nominated for Best Composer, Lyricist, or Book Writer for his musical contributions to Cold War at The Almeida Theatre.
The full shortlist reflects the wealth of emerging talent across the UK and boasts exciting and recognisable names from across the Atlantic. For the first time in the awards’ history, all three Best Director nominees are women, including Emily Foran, Ellie Coote and Sophie Drake.
Votes for Best West End Debut Performer opens on August 21 and can be cast online at www.thestage.co.uk/best-west-end-debut-2024-vote, voting closes on September 15. This award honours a performer’s first appearance in London’s West End.
Winners will be announced at The Stage Debut Awards’ seventh annual ceremony, hosted by the legendary drag artist, performer and singer Divina De Campo, on September 29 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, in association with headline sponsor ATG Entertainment.
Full list of 2024 nominees can be found: The Stage Debut Awards