The 2026 ceremony is scheduled for the evening of January 12 and will be held at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre for the second year running.

“The Fringe Theatre of the Year award will return”–separate from the theatre of the year award –after a year’s hiatus.

Holly Payton-Lombardo, development director at Tysers Live, said: “We are a firm supporter of grassroots artists, who we believe are essential to the cultural ecosystem. That’s why we are delighted to sponsor a fringe award and help to raise the profile of creative achievements at all levels.”

Submissions will open on October 8 and close on November 6and the shortlist will be announced on December 4.They will then be judged by The Stage editor Alistair Smith alongside deputy editor Matthew Hemley, features editor (maternity cover) Giverny Masso, reviews editor Sam Marlowe, international editor Natasha Tripney, associate editor Lyn Gardner, associate writer and arts consultant Amanda Parker and journalist Baz Bamigboye.

Commenting on the launch of 2026 awards, Smith said: “We’re delighted that The Stage Awards will once again take place at the Royal Opera House, one of the most iconic homes of theatre in the world.”

This year, we’re especially excited to expand the awards with the return of our fringe theatre of the year category and the launch of a brand new team of the year award, recognising the collaborative spirit at the heart of theatremaking.”

https://www.thestage.co.uk/the-stage-awards/the-stage-awards/the-stage-awards