Winners announced for the 23rd WhatsOnStage Awards
Posted on 15 February 2023
It was a night like no other at the 23rd annual WhatsOnStage Awards, as some of the most renowned names in theatre gathered together to host a spectacular ceremony. The red carpet was rolled out, the buzz of chatter and applause filled the air and once again the WhatsOnStage Awards brought together an electric mix of up-and-coming and established stars, proving that the awards are the epitome of celebration and theatrical brilliance. Theatre-goers nationwide once again had the opportunity to nominate their firm favourites from the stage, and this year the commitment to inclusivity was dialled up a notch, with the addition of gender-neutral performance categories!
The 23rd WhatsOnStage Awards were graced by the presence of iconic presenters such as Jake Shears, George Takei, Bonnie Langford, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Arlene Phillips and Lisa Scott-Lee. Here’s a rundown of the night's events!
The standouts of the year
Courtney Bowman and Lauren Drew took home Best Performer and Best Supporting Performer in a Musical respectively for Legally Blonde, with Jodie Comer winning Best Performer in a Play for her performance in Prima Facie. Other winners included Gwyneth Keyworth for Best Supporting Performer in a Play in To Kill a Mockingbird and Lucie Jones for Best Takeover as Elphaba in Wicked.
For his performance in The Trials at the Donmar Warehouse, Joe Locke scored Best Professional Debut.
The enchanting production of My Neighbour Totoro swept various awards, taking home 5 prizes, including Best Direction and Best Set Design. Other notable winners included Bonnie & Clyde the Musical for Best New Musical and the sell-out run of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma! at the Young Vic for Best Musical Revival. The critically acclaimed Prima Facie won Best New Play, and the West End premiere of Cock took home Best Play Revival. Nica Burns was honoured with the Services to Theatre Award, and the homegrown hit musical SIX claimed the Best West End Show prize for the third year in a row!
The winners of the 23rd annual WhatsOnStage Awards
Courtney Bowman, Legally Blonde, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Lauren Drew, Legally Blonde, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Jodie Comer, Prima Facie, Harold Pinter Theatre
Gwyneth Keyworth, To Kill a Mockingbird, Gielgud Theatre
Lucie Jones, Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre
Joe Locke, The Trials, Donmar Warehouse
Bonnie & Clyde the Musical, Arts Theatre
Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, Young Vic
Prima Facie, Harold Pinter Theatre
Cock, Ambassadors Theatre
SIX, Vaudeville Theatre
Billy Elliot the Musical, Curve, Leicester
But I'm A Cheerleader: The Musical, The Turbine Theatre
Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, Sondheim Theatre
Phelim McDermott, My Neighbour Totoro, Barbican Theatre
Bruce O’Neil and Matt Smith, My Neighbour Totoro, Barbican Theatre
Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher, Spring Awakening, Almeida Theatre
Arlene Phillips, Grease, Dominion Theatre
Gabriella Slade, The Cher Show, UK tour
Jessica Hung Han Yun, My Neighbour Totoro, Barbican Theatre
Tom Pye and Basil Twist, My Neighbour Totoro, Barbican Theatre
Tony Gayle, My Neighbour Totoro, Barbican Theatre
Joshua Thorson, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, Young Vic
Studio Doug, Prima Facie, Harold Pinter Theatre
By Kevin Thomas
From as early as I can recall, writing has always been my passion. Being able to combine this with my love for theatre has been a rewarding and exhilarating experience. I truly believe that there is magic in seeing a story brought to life on stage, and this is what I would like to promote to audiences.