Community Spirit and a Great Show at the WhatsOnStage Awards

Awards season is in full swing now, and last night it was the turn of the 17th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards, held at the Prince of Wales Theatre, where theatregoers' votes were finally revealed.

Providing music was the WhatsOnStage Awards Orchestra, conducted by Alex Parker - to the audience's pleasure, they opened with an instrumental version of "Another Day Of Sun" from Oscar-tipped La La Land. Their entr'acte from Wicked was similarly apt, as the hit musical recently marked 10 years in the West End.

Hosts Simon Lipkin and Vikki Stone were new to presenting this awards ceremony, but no strangers to theatreland. They're both known for their funny bones, and together they gave the audience plenty to laugh about - from their opening number to their 'audition' for the role of Alexander Hamilton, theirs was an assured presence.

It's hard to be unaware of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but particularly now following its historic eight wins - only missing out on Best Costume Design, which was scooped by Gregg Barnes for Aladdin. Cursed Child acceptance speeches emphasised that this is a show made with love and care, and the incredible teamwork that continues to go into its performance. Sunday night is one of the play's regular slots so, as the old adage goes, "the show must go on" - giving Anthony Boyle and Noma Dumezweni just enough time to make it over to collect their awards in person!

Another big winner was Half a Sixpence, with Andrew Wright (Best Choreography), Emma Williams (Best Supporting Actress in a Musical) and Charlie Stemp (Best Actor in a Musical) all taking away awards. It's been a bit of a fairy tale for Stemp, landing this career-defining role so soon after finishing his training; the audience clearly agreed with the public's choice, as he received one of the biggest reactions of the night.

Other notable winners included Billie Piper for her performance in Yerma, The Last Five Years for Best Off-West End production, Amber Riley for the lead role in Dreamgirls and Trevor Dion Nicholas for Aladdin. Nicholas chose to celebrate the increasingly diverse casting in West End shows (a hot topic in recent weeks), which received a rapturous response from the audience.

But the night is not just about the awards; it's a show in itself. Seven of the most iconic musical performances of the past year were brought together, and there really was something for everyone - beginning with the rousing "Teacher's Pet" from the surprise Best New Musical winner School of Rock, through to the more emotional "As If We Never Said Goodbye" from Ria Jones, and the ultimate showstopper "Flash, Bang, Wallop" from Half a Sixpence.

There's one award that isn't voted on, which is the Equity Award for Services to Theatre - this year presented to Sir Cameron Mackintosh. Following a VT of some of the highlights of his career to date, Mackintosh took to the stage to reflect on his achievements. He was evidently pleased to be in a room full of peers with whom he has worked at some point and also took a moment to congratulate Charlie Stemp, before expressing his thanks for previous WhatsOnStage Awards, including some for Miss Saigon (they soon open the show on Broadway).

What's clear is that British theatre is looking in great shape, and that it seems to be fostering a real sense of community spirit. It's undeniable that there can be an element of predictability to public votes, however one thing WhatsOnStage does is put on a great show and provide an occasion for celebration.

Picture credit: Dan Wooller

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