The shortlist for the 2026 Stage Debut Awards, celebrating UK theatre’s emerging talent, has been unveiled, with notable names including Sadie Sink, Noah Jupe and Arti Shah recognised for their debut performances.

The Stage Debut Awards, in association with Netflix, have revealed their shortlist for 2026, spotlighting performers and creatives making their professional and West End debuts across the UK. The awards cover a wide spectrum of theatre work, from West End productions to tours and performances at smaller venues nationwide.

Among the nominees for the Best West End Debut Performer category are Levi Brown, Brendan Gleeson, Liv Hill, Noah Jupe, Cormac McAlinden, Ntombizodwa Ndlovu, Alistair Nwachukwu, Kate Phillips, Arti Shah and Sadie Sink. The public can vote for their favourite in this category until 13 September.

Sam Marlowe, chief critic of The Stage and chair of the judges, commented on the diversity of the shortlist. He praised the nominees for their “stunning breadth and ingenuity,” highlighting their work in both fringe venues and major stages, driven by a “palpable passion for the art form.”

The nominees span multiple disciplines including acting, writing, directing, design and composition. Notable acting nominations in plays include Robert Aramayo for Guess How Much I Love You? at the Royal Court Theatre and Erin Kellyman for Evening All Afternoon at Donmar Warehouse.

Musical debut performances are also well represented, with Jess Folley in Burlesque at the Savoy Theatre and Julianne Pundan in Miss Saigon on tour, alongside emerging writers like Georgie Dettmer and Fran Kranz, as well as directors such as Ralph Fiennes for As You Like It at Theatre Royal Bath.

The awards ceremony is set for 27 September at 8 Northumberland Avenue in London, continuing its annual tradition of recognising fresh creative voices across UK theatre. This year’s event again benefits from the support of Netflix, underlining the increasing partnership between streaming platforms and live arts.

The Stage Debut Awards provide an important platform for rising talent, celebrating not only current achievements but also the potential and promise they bring to the theatre landscape.