The evening’s sole public-voted category, Best West End Debut Performer, was awarded to Sadie Sink for her portrayal in Romeo and Juliet at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Sink joins a list of previous recipients that includes Jodie Comer, Rachel Zegler, Rose Ayling-Ellis, and Jack Wolfe.
The remaining acting categories featured joint winners:
- Best Performer in a Musical (Sponsored by Michael Harrison Entertainment):
- Julianne Pundan for Miss Saigon at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, and on national tour.
- James Spence for Thespians at the Mercury Theatre Colchester and on national tour.
- Best Performer in a Play (Sponsored by Encore):
- Robert Aramayo for Guess How Much I Love You? at London’s Royal Court.
- Zoë Armer for her role as Anya in The Virgins at Soho Theatre.
Creative and Off-Stage Honours
The awards also spotlighted off-stage achievement across writing, directing, composition, and production design:
| Category | Winner | Production & Venue | Sponsor |
| Best Director | Tommaso Giacomin | — | — |
| Best Writer | Georgie Dettmer | — | Sonia Friedman Productions |
| Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer | Jordan Luke Gage | Redcliffe at Southwark Playhouse Borough | Theatrical Rights Worldwide |
| Best Designer | Natalie Roar (Costume Design) | Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the National Theatre | Preevue |
| Best Creative West End Debut | Ava Pickett | — | Jamie Wilson Productions |
Jordan Luke Gage took home his award after writing the book, lyrics, and music for the musical Redcliffe. Meanwhile, writer Ava Pickett secured the Best Creative West End Debut title just one year after winning Best Writer at the 2025 ceremony.
Industry Attendance and Performances
Presenters at the ceremony included musician Sting, director Indhu Rubasingham, artistic director Matthew Xia, and performers Tyrone Huntley, Marisha Wallace, and Michael Rishawn.
The event featured dynamic stage performances, including appearances by Tyrone Huntley, the cast of Avenue Q, the West End Theatre Choir, and a surprise duet by Sting alongside his The Last Ship co-star Frances McNamee.
“This year’s winners represent a truly exciting range of fresh talent – artists making their mark, bringing us work that speaks to our present moment and enriches and advances theatre as an art form. Their energy and vision are bound to ensure that the stage remains a vibrant, socially and culturally significant creative space.”
— Sam Marlowe, Reviews Editor at The Stage and Co-Chair of the Judging Panel
First launched in 2017, The Stage Debut Awards will mark their 10th anniversary edition in 2027.