The finalists for the OffWestEnd Awards (Offies) have been announced, as the UK’s foremost awards for independent theatre mark their 15th anniversary. This year’s nominees include a diverse mix of emerging grassroots talent and stars of stage and screen who continually choose to perform in Off-West End’s incredible world-class venues.
Following the unveiling of the new awards process last month, this year’s ceremony will introduce the new category-less model designed to create a more dynamic, inclusive, and transparent way of recognising the exceptional and innovative theatre as it emerges. The organisers promise an “entertainment-focused” event that will showcase the variety and creativity of theatre at all levels and sizes that takes place all over London and beyond.
To celebrate 15 years at the forefront of celebrating British theatre, this year’s Offies will take place at a new partner venue: Central Hall Westminster (right opposite the Abbey). Central Hall has a rich history of hosting important live events, and with a capacity of up to 2000 people it brings opportunities to expand the profile of the Offies.
This year’s Offies will be produced by ex-Olivier Awards Executive Producer Julian Bird OBE, through his production company Green Room Ents Ltd which announces a three-year partnership with the Offies starting this year. Executive Producers for the show will be Julian Bird OBE and Denholm Spurr. More details of the evening, including host, performers and presenters will be announced shortly.
With the revamped Offies ceremony set for Monday 17th March, this year’s event places the awards firmly at the centre of awards season. Tickets are now on sale.
Throughout the year, Offies assessors reviewed thousands of potential nominees across nearly 600 productions at over 100 venues. With our three-tier assessment process—the most rigorous in the industry—narrowing the field to just over 100 nominees is a monumental achievement. Simply making the final list is an accolade in itself. Our new approach, organised into eight Areas of Production, Staging, Performance, Design, Sound & Music, Creation, Industry & Inclusion, and Innovation, ensures all genres of theatre are celebrated equally, with no specific categories and no fixed number of winners.
