The 2026 ceremony not only summed up the season but also highlighted a key point: theatre continues to evolve, experiment, and resonate with new audiences.
The evening was hosted by British actor and comedian Nick Mohammed, who took on the role for the first time, bringing a light and witty tone to the ceremony.

The undisputed highlight of the night was Paddington The Musical, which dominated the major categories. The production received several top awards, including Best New Musical and Best Director (Luke Sheppard), as well as additional acting and technical honours — four awards in total.

Overall, the show took home the highest number of trophies, cementing its status as the theatrical hit of the season.

Among the other winners were Punch for Best New Play, Into the Woods for Best Musical Revival, and All My Sons for Best Revival. The outstanding Rosamund Pike was named Best Actress for her performance in Inter Alia, while Jack Holden won Best Actor for Kenrex. Rachel Zegler received Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Evita in the eponymous production.

The anniversary ceremony was not only a conclusion to the season but also a celebration of theatre as a living art form. Critics noted that this year’s awards highlighted the diversity of contemporary theatre — from large-scale musicals to intimate dramas — once again proving that London remains one of the world’s leading theatre capitals.

On stage, acceptance speeches alternated with musical performances, while the audience brought together leading actors, directors, and producers of the British stage.

Despite the absence of major scandals, the ceremony did spark discussion. Critics pointed to the dominance of a single musical in the main categories, as well as the relative predictability of some winners. Nevertheless, these debates only underscored the continued relevance of the awards and the diversity of opinions within the professional community.