Afridiziak Theatre News were delighted to attend The Stage Debut Awards 2024, delivered in partnership with ATG Entertainment last night, September 29th. It was a wonderful evening filled with warmth and positivity. Dynamically hosted by Iconic drag artist, performer and singer Divina De Campo, this annual event highlights emerging talents from across stage disciplines. This year 49 nominees across eight categories representing performers, composers, designers, writers, lyricists and directors were celebrated for work that premiered on stages across the UK in the previous year.
Scooping the Best West End Debut Performer award for his enormously compelling performance as Gabe in Next To Normal at Wyndham’s Theatre was Olivier Award nominee Jack Wolfe. Afridiziak were delighted to speak with Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, who was nominated in this category for her stunning performance as Juliet, In Romeo & Juliet at the Duke of York Theatre. We were really delighted to celebrate her and were moved by her reflections on the power of community in times of challenge.
The Best Performer in a Play was awarded to both Ellie-May Sheridan for London Tide at the National Theatre and Louis McCartney, who was recognised for his performance in Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre. The judging panel clearly had their work cut out for them last night, as they also celebrated both Jeevan Braich for his vocal prowess and impressive roller-skating skills in Starlight Express at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre and Grace Hodgett Young who won the award for her impressive performance in Jamie Lloyd’s hit revival Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy Theatre for Best Performer in a Musical award.
Other wins included Azuka Oforkar of The Women of Llanrumney at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, who shared the accolade with Sam Grabiner for Boys on the Verge of Tears at Soho Theatre for the Best Writer award. We enjoyed speaking with Anastasia Osei-Kuffour who was nominated in this category for her wonderful play, Love Steps at The Ominibus Theatre. She gave aspiring playwrights wonderful advice, encouraging them to build a network of actors, writers and others knowledgeable in the craft to guide and critic on the creative journey.
Another standout win recognising the vital talent behind the scenes included Best Creative West End Debut, which was awarded to Bush Theatre’s associate artistic director Daniel Bailey for his dynamic and sensitively directed production of Tyrell Williams’ Red Pitch. Daniel shared some touching and encouraging words for young men, which started and ended with love, recognition and community, a reoccurring theme from those we spoke to on the night.
Related links
- The Stage Debut Awards 2024 Winners Announcement
- Interview with Francesca Amewudah-Rivers at The Stage Debut Awards 2024
- Interview with Anastasia Osei-Kuffour at The Stage Debut Awards 2024
