The Winners of the Black British Theatre Awards 2025

by Natasha Raymond

Shanay Holmes, Beverley Knight and The Lion King among winners at the Black British Theatre Awards.

The 2025 Black British Theatre Awards took centre stage last night at the Piccadilly Theatre, delivering a powerful evening that celebrated Black excellence, artistry and legacy across UK theatre.

The evening was filled with memorable moments – from dazzling performances from Beverley Knight, Alexandra Burke and the cast of Moulin Rouge, to a powerful acceptance speech from Spotlight member Shanay Holmes, who won the Best Female Lead Actor in a Musical Award for her performance as ‘Nancy’ in Oliver!.

Heather Basten was honoured with the Best Casting Director Award, proudly sponsored by Spotlight – a nod to her pivotal work in ensuring diverse talent takes centre stage. We were also delighted to see plenty of Spotlight members among the winners, including Arinzé Kene, Emmanuel Akwafo, Cash Holland, Jay Perry, Cedric Neal and Jade Marvin.

Full List of Winners for the Black British Theatre Awards 2025:

Spotlight members are indicated by a star* below.

Best Production – Play

Shifters, Duke of York’s Theatre (WINNER)
Alterations, National Theatre
Pig Heart Boy, Unicorn Theatre and on tour

Best Male Lead Actor in a Play

Arinzé Kene* – Alterations, National Theatre (WINNER)
Kyle Ndukuba* – Romeo and Juliet, Belgrade Theatre
Omari Douglas* – This Bitter Earth, Soho Theatre

Best Female Lead Actor in a Play

Beverley Knight – Marie and Rosetta, The Rose Theatre (WINNER)
Anne Odeke* – Princess Essex, Shakespeare’s Globe
Suzanne Packer* – The Women of Llanrumney, Stratford East

Best Supporting Male Actor in a Play

Emmanuel Akwafo* – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bridge Theatre (WINNER)
Andre Antonio* – Romeo and Juliet, Belgrade Theatre
Tyreke Leslie* – Princess Essex, Shakespeare’s Globe

Best Supporting Female Actor in a Play

Cash Holland* – A Raisin in the Sun, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre (WINNER)
Miranda Mufema* – Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Phoenix Theatre
Nicola Hughes* – Intimate Apparel, Donmar Warehouse

Best Musical Production

The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre (WINNER)
MJ the Musical, Prince Edward Theatre
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Aldwych Theatre

Best Male Lead Actor in a Musical

Jay Perry* – Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre (WINNER)
Jeevan Braich* – Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Newtion Matthews* – Kinky Boots, UK and Ireland tour

Best Female Lead Actor in a Musical

Shanay Holmes* – Oliver!, Gielgud Theatre (WINNER)
Georgina Onuorah* – Shucked, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Natalie Kassanga* – Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre

Best Supporting Male Actor in a Musical

Cedric Neal* – Hadestown, Lyric Theatre (WINNER)
CJ Borger* – Back To The Future The Musical, Adelphi Theatre
Ryan Carter* – Bat Out of Hell: The Musical, UK tour

Best Supporting Female Actor in a Musical

Jade Marvin* – Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre (WINNER)
Georgia Bradshaw* – Bat Out of Hell: The Musical, UK tour
Georgia Gillam* – Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, UK and Ireland tour