WhatsOnStage today announce that Gina and Mazz Murray will co-host the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards in association with AudienceView – the only major theatre prize giving decided by the theatregoers themselves – on 9 February 2025 at The London Palladium.
Both have some major theatre credits to their names: Gina Murray’s stage credits include Chicago, Fame, The Roy Orbison Story (all in the West End) as well as Hairspray on tour, while on screen she has appeared in The Hunt for Raoul Moat, and Sorted.
Meanwhile, Mazz Murray is currently portraying Donna Sheridan in the West End production of Mamma Mia!, with other West End credits including We Will Rock You, Chicago and Fame. Her television credits include EastEnders and The Quest.
The hit revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express leads nominations this year with nine nods including Best Musical Revival, Best Supporting Performer in a Musical for Jaydon Vijn, Best Professional Debut for Jeevan Braich, Best Set Design (Tim Hatley), Best Lighting Design (Howard Hudson), Best Sound Design (Gareth Owen), Best Video Design (Andrzej Goulding), Best Costume Design (Gabriella Slade) and a nomination for Jackie Saundercock and Campbell Young Associates in the new category for Best Wigs Hair and Make-up Design. Also featuring strongly in the Musical Theatre categories are The Artist at Theatre Royal Plymouth with six nominations and Oliver! at Chichester Festival Theatre with five nominations.
Leading the straight play categories with six nominations is the Donmar Warehouse’s production of Macbeth starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, currently running at the Harold Pinter Theatre, with both lead actors nominated for Best Performer in a Play alongside nominations for Best Play Revival, Best Sound Design (Gareth Fry), Best Musical Direction/ Supervision (Alasdair Macrae) and Best Casting (Anna Cooper). In terms of straight plays Spirited Away closely follows with five nominations.
In addition to seeing winners crowned across a range of categories, theatregoers will also enjoy a host of exclusive live performances from top stage talent, accompanied by a 24-piece orchestra in a one-night-only showcase co-produced with creative directors Alex Parker and Damian Sandys.
