Stage Debut Awards 2025 Winners Revealed

The Stage Debut Awards 2025, held recently in London, celebrated emerging talent across UK theatre, and Hollywood star Rachel Zegler emerged among the evening’s biggest winners. She was awarded Best West End Debut Performer for her portrayal of Eva Perón in the London revival of Evita.

This category is particularly meaningful because it’s the only one voted for by the public, meaning that theatregoers across the UK voted Zegler onto the winner’s stage. Her performance in Evita, combining emotional depth and striking stage presence, clearly resonated with audiences in her transition to London theatre.

Beyond Zegler’s victory, the awards honoured talent across plays and musicals with eight categories and 46 nominations spanning stages in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

In the realm of theatre performance, the Best Performer in a Play award was shared between Hilson Agbangbe for Wonder Boy at Bristol Old Vic and Lucy Karczewski for Stereophonic at the Duke of York’s Theatre. Both delivered standout performances praised for their nuance and emotional power.

On the musical side, Best Performer in a Musical went to Leesa Tulley for Why Am I So Single? at the Garrick Theatre, recognised for her vocal range and vibrant stage charisma.

Behind the scenes, Best Director was awarded to Richard Mylan for Mumfighter at Swansea Grand Theatre, while Best Writer was a joint award between Ava Pickett (1536 at Almeida Theatre) and Milly Sweeney (Water Colour). Best Designer went to Hannah Schmidt for her work on The Passenger and Personal Values, lauded for creative set and costume work.

Other winners included Yve Blake for Fangirls (Best Composer / Lyricist) and Mark Rosenblatt for Giant (Best Creative West End Debut).

The Stage Debut Awards are dedicated to launching theatrical careers, shining a spotlight on those making their first major mark in UK theatre. This year’s winners represent a diverse and promising new wave of artists.