As a reflection of our times, 21st Annual WhatsOnStage Awards were not only live streamed from The Turbine Theatre this evening, but, in this unique ceremony, a select group were honoured as Angels, following nominations from the public.
As a thank you for all their love and support during lockdown, the 21 Angels will receive a complimentary night at the theatre when live performances are able to resume.
From midwives to Sainsbury’s staff, and from Nightingale volunteers to amateur dramatic managers, these people have been a beacon of hope and light throughout the pandemic.
Whether they reached out offering jobs to those whose income was completely cut off as the curtain came down on theatre, or launched events like Broadway Bingo or Fizz and Quiz Nights, these angels kept spirits high throughout the tough months of last year.
Receiving this well-deserved title and prize were David Ashford, Elaine and Graeme Blackmore, Dave Chalfin, Steph Canning, Lynn Darcy, Lucie Devine, Amanda Dunford, Denis Fuller, Kate Golledge, Andrea Grey, Leontine Hass, Philip Joel, Charlie Kristensen, Yvette McDonnald, Scarlett Maltman, Charlie Morrison, Alun and Esther Williams, Corrine Priest, Kristie Winsen, Alex Young, Rita Zeta-Jones (aka Jessica Boshier)
Presented by Jodie Prenger and Tom Read Wilson, featuring Amy Hart and Oscar Conlon-Morrey, the evening saw performances from musical theatre stars representing shows that were cut short in 2020, or are due to open in the coming years.
This included Cedric Neil performing “Gotta Start Somewhere” from Back to the Future the Musical and Ivano Turco performing “Only You, Lonely You” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s brand-new West End musical Cinderella.
Sita McIntosh, Chief Operating Officer of WhatsOnStage, said this evening, “We were overwhelmed by the sheer number of entrants – each of which told a unique story of solidarity, hope, love and camaraderie during a year that few could have ever foreseen. The “Angels” prizes were set up to reward those from all walks of life and, with nurses, teachers, supermarket staff and more among those on this final list, we’ve hopefully captured what makes our audiences truly special. Here’s to getting our country’s beloved venues safely back in action so we can all share the magic of live performance once more!”
