WhatsOnStage today announces that Melanie La Barrie and Bonnie Langford will host the 24th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards, the only major theatre prize-giving decided by the theatregoers themselves. Voting for the winners of the awards closes today.
Taking place on Sunday 11 February 2024 for the first time at The London Palladium, the evening will see winners crowned across a range of categories. Theatregoers will also enjoy a host of exclusive live performances, which will be announced soon, from top stage talent, accompanied by a 25-piece orchestra. The event, co-produced with creative directors Alex Parker and Damian Sandys, is currently on sale.
Melanie La Barrie said today, “I’m thrilled to be involved with the WhatsOnStage Awards this year. I have a long and wonderful history with this ceremony and to take on this new role is very exciting. I look forward to being a part of this extraordinary landmark event in our theatrical calendar. It’s going to be a stellar evening.”
Bonnie Langford added, “I am thrilled to be hosting the 24th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards, an exciting event in the theatrical calendar! I want to wish all the nominees the best of luck and I cannot wait to celebrate with you all on 11 February at The London Palladium.”
Veteran of the stage and screen, Bonnie Langford, has just concluded a season in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre. Her other recent credits include Doctor Who and Anything Goes at the Barbican Theatre.
Melanie La Barrie has originated several roles in numerous musicals, most recently finishing her run in & Juliet on Broadway, playing the role of Nurse – a role she first originated in Manchester and the West End. She will next be seen playing Hermes in the eagerly anticipated West End premiere of award-winning musical Hadestown, which opens at the Lyric Theatre early next month.
The Bridge Theatre’s critically acclaimed smash-hit production of Guys & Dolls leads the pack this year, with 12 nominations. Also performing strongly in the musical categories are Jamie Lloyd’s production of Sunset Boulevard starring Nicole Scherzinger with 9 nominations, and Michael Longhurst’s production of Next to Normal at the Donmar Warehouse with 6 nominations.
This year was a brilliant one for the National Theatre, who receive 24 nominations in total – they lead the straight play categories with their phenomenally successful production of James Graham’s Dear England with 10 nominations. Also featuring strongly in the straight play categories are Stranger Things: The First Shadow, playing at the Phoenix Theatre, with 8 nominations, and The Effect – also directed by Lloyd, with 5 nominations at the National Theatre.
Now in their 24th year, the WhatsOnStage Awards are the only major theatre awards decided by the theatregoers themselves.
