The 2025 Black British Theatre Awards Illuminate the West End as Winners Announced

The Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs) lit up London’s Piccadilly Theatre last night in a dazzling celebration of Black excellence, artistry, and legacy. The UK’s biggest night in Black theatre returned with standing ovations, emotional speeches, and unforgettable performances, marking the seventh annual ceremony in spectacular fashion.

The 2025 ceremony — sponsored by ATG Entertainment and presented in partnership with Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Global Creatures, and with thanks to Playful Productions — celebrated a year of groundbreaking theatre and powerful storytelling on and off the stage. 

Hosted by an all-star lineup of presenters, including Vanessa Williams, Matt Henry MBE, Cush Jumbo OBE, Baroness Lola Young, David Blake, Miriam-Teak Lee, Cherrelle Skeete, Miranda Cromwell and Jason Pennycooke.

An Unforgettable Night in the West End

The evening delivered world-class performances from Alexandra Burke, Beverley Knight, the Kingdom Choir and the casts of Moulin Rouge! The Musical and The Harder They Come.

From Shifters to The Lion King, Marie & Rosetta to Hamilton, the nominees from these productions represented the rich spectrum of Black artistry shaping the British stage today — with performers from Shifters, The Lion King, Hamilton, Starlight Express, Hadestown, and Oliver! The Musical all taking home awards.

The 2025 BBTA Winners Revealed

Lynette Linton sweeps the 2025 BBTAs with triple triumph across three hit productions — Shifters, Intimate Apparel, and Alterations.

Beverley Knight took home Best Female Lead Actor in a Play for her moving portrayal in Marie & Rosetta at The Rose Theatre (Sponsored by LAMDA).

Lynette Linton was recognised with Best Director for Intimate Apparel at the Donmar Warehouse, while Arinzé Kene’s compelling performance in Alterations at the National Theatre earned him Best Male Lead Actor in a Play. 

Jay Perry’s dynamic turn in Hamilton won him Best Male Lead Actor in a Musical and Musical theatre standout Shanay Holmes triumphed with Best Female Lead Actor in a Musical for her show-stopping performance in Oliver! The Musical at the Gielgud Theatre (Sponsored by Link-Artists), while The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre roared to victory with Best Musical Production (Sponsored by TodayTix).

The powerful new play Shifters, staged at the Duke of York’s Theatre, earned Best Production – Play (Sponsored by AKA), cementing its place as one of the year’s most celebrated productions.

The Best Choreographer or Movement Director award went to Ingrid Mackinnon, Princess Essex, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the winner of the Best Dance Production or Performer award was Our Mighty Groove, Sadler’s Wells East & Uchenna Dance.

Please find the full list of 2025 BBTA Winners HERE.