The Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs) will once again be held in London’s West End, returning to the Piccadilly Theatre on 25 October 2026. The event aims to celebrate and recognise Black talent across UK theatre with performances, awards, and industry celebration.

The 2026 Black British Theatre Awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday 25 October at the Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End. This follows the 2025 awards, which featured performances from Alexandra Burke and the Kingdom Choir and honoured recipients including Beverley Knight.

Sponsored by ATG Entertainment and presented in partnership with Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Global Creatures, with additional support from Playful Productions, the BBTAs continue their mission to spotlight the achievements of Black artists, creatives and theatre professionals working across the UK theatre industry.

Award categories for 2026 will cover performance and creative disciplines both onstage and behind the scenes, along with honours for outstanding contribution, emerging talent, Best Musical and Best Play. Presentation details and performers for the ceremony will be confirmed closer to the event.

Omar F Okai, founder and executive director of the Black British Theatre Awards, expressed enthusiasm for the event’s ongoing role in championing visibility and opportunity within British theatre. He thanked sponsors and partners for supporting the awards’ vision of recognising excellence.

Nominations open on 1 July 2026 and close on 31 August 2026, inviting audiences, industry professionals and supporters to propose individuals and productions that have made a significant impact over the past year. Further announcements about nominations, ticket sales, shortlisted candidates and special guests will be released in due course.

The return of the BBTAs to the West End underlines the increasing recognition of Black talent within UK theatre and the importance of dedicated platforms to celebrate this diversity and creative achievement.