The Watermill Theatre are overjoyed to have been named Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards 2026.
The award was jointly presented to the Watermill Theatre and the Royal Court Theatre, recognising outstanding artistic ambition and excellence in British theatre.
This honour acknowledges the collective effort behind our work, and belongs to the entire Watermill team: our trustees, the exceptional freelancers we have collaborated with, our producing partners, and the donors, sponsors, trusts, and foundations whose support has been fundamental to everything we have achieved.
Claire Murray, Executive Director and Joint CEO of the Watermill Theatre, said:
To be named Theatre of the Year at the Stage Awards for the second time in two years is an extraordinary achievement, and one that reflects the care, ambition and collaboration that sits at the heart of everything we do at the Watermill. This recognition belongs to our artists, our staff, our freelancers and our audiences, and speaks to our shared commitment to making theatre that is artistically ambitious, welcoming and accessible to all.
In addition to this highly prestigious award, Claire Murray and Paul Hart, Joint CEO’s, were also named in The Stage 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in UK Theatre.
These awards are joined by an additional nine awards by BroadwayWorld, in the following categories;
Best Choreography of a New Production of a Play or Musical
Anjali Mehra – JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – Watermill Theatre
Best Costume Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical
David Woodhead – JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – Watermill Theatre
Best Direction of a New Production of a Musical
Paul Hart – JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – Watermill Theatre
Best Lighting Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical
Rory Beaton – JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – Watermill Theatre
Best New Production of a Musical
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – Watermill Theatre
Best New Production of a Play
PIAF – Watermill Theatre
Best Set Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical
David Woodhead – JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – Watermill Theatre
Best Sound Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical
Tom Marshall – JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – Watermill Theatre
Best Theatre Front of House Staff
Watermill Theatre
Upcoming productions at the Watermill:
29 Jan – 31 Feb, Two Halves of Guinness
6 Feb – 14 Mar, Lark Rise to Candleford
19-21 Apr, Swallows and Amazons (Youth Theatre production)
27 Mar – 9 May, Victoria: A Queen Unbound
26 May – 13 Sept, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
26 Nov – 3 Jan, Pinocchio
View and book here
