WhatsOnStage today announce the initial line up for the 23rd Annual WhatsOnStage Awards on 12 February 2023 at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The concert opens with a specially composed number by Alex Parker and Katie Lam, featuring choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille and performed by the hosts Courtney Bowman, Laurie Kynaston and Billy Luke Nevers.
The first half will look back on the best of 2022 with performances from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma, Bonnie and Clyde the Musical, My Fair Lady, and a special take on Billy Elliot; with the second half looking forward with a number from The Great British Bake Off Musical, a tantalising medley, and some exclusive performances to whet the appetite for what’s to come later this year.
Leading this year is My Neighbour Totoro with 9 nominations – Mei Mac for Best Performer in a Play, Best New Play, Best Direction for Phelim McDermott, Best Musical Direction/Supervision, Best Lighting Design, Best Set Design, Best Sound Design, Best Video Design and Best Graphic Design. The next best nominated straight play is Good with 5 nominations, including 3 acting nominations for David Tennant, Sharon Small and Elliot Levey.
The critically acclaimed Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, which transfers to the West End in February, leads the musical categories, with 8 nominations – Best Supporting Performer in a Musical for Marisha Wallace, Best Musical Revival, Best Director for Daniel Fish and Jordan Fein, Best Musical Direction/Supervision, Best Casting Direction, Best Lighting Design, Best Sound Design and Best Video Design. Other top nominees in the musical categories were both Almeida Theatre productions, directed by the company’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold – Spring Awakening with 6 nominations, and Tammy Faye, the most nominated new musical, with 5 nominations.
