UK Theatre Awards 2025 Best Musical Production Winner

The curtains have been drawn on one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year, the UK Theatre Awards 2025, fronted by the delightful Faye Tozer at 8 Northumberland Avenue. For more than thirty years, this annual event has celebrated the creative talent and artistic excellence that embody theatre across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In partnership with Encore as headline supporter, the event celebrated some of the brightest individuals across the world of London Theatre and beyond, from established talent to new stars who we hope we will see make their way to the stage.

The competition was tough this year, but one production stood out for its extraordinary power, timeless music, and compelling storytelling. Jesus Christ Superstar, a Watermill Theatre production in association with LW Entertainment, was awarded Best Musical Production, a win which continues to demonstrate its enduring and creative excellence.

 Best Musical Production: UK Theatre Awards 2025 

The Success of Jesus Christ Superstar  

Few theatrical productions have made quite as much of an impact on musical theatre as Jesus Christ Superstar. Since reports of its world premiere, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera has partially transformed the form of musical theatre as an artform – combining religious stories, rock music, and the journey of life’s emotions into a beautiful piece of reflection.

London’s West End audiences in the current year experienced a revised version of the legendary musical that both held true to original conditions as well as reinvigorated every single note and movement. The Watermill Theatre’s fired-up structure and approaches provided electrifying productions and a compelling musical score that audiences across the UK appreciated. Being awarded Best Musical Production at the UK Theatre Awards 2025 was another confirmation of its special magic and cultural status.

For anyone looking for the next great theatrical expedition, Jesus Christ Superstar joins the ranking of must-see London Shows with exciting entertainment including The Lion King Musical London and more commercial hits brightening the capital of London’s theatre industry.

A Celebration of Excellence across the UK  

The 2025 ceremony showcased the diversity and strength of the UK’s performing arts. From large productions to intimate stage plays, each nominee captured the creativity and innovation coursing through this country’s theatres.

Sheffield Theatres and Chester’s Storyhouse competed well, producing two winners each. Kenrex, which was a co-production with Aria Entertainment that saw Jack Holden win the award for best performance in a play! Pig Heart Boy had a great night celebrating, winning best show for children & young people’s theatre, co-produced with the Children’s Theatre Partnership and Unicorn Theatre.

Then, Storyhouse lit up the night with The Parent Agency winning for ok compensation, also earning Rakesh Boury and Rebecca McKinnis the award for best performance in a musical (also Bogdan/Entertainment), and also for excellence in inclusivity, recognizing the organization’s commitment to make accessible and inclusive arts.

Other highlights included Prasanna Puwanarajah, winning best director for his fresh and inspired reimagined production of Twelfth Night with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Georgie Henley winning for best supporting performance in The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs.

Creativity Off Stage  

The UK Theatre Awards don’t just acknowledge the action that happens on stage – they also celebrate the creativity that happens off stage. The Best Design category included a number of prizes for an international collaboration, as Kei Ishihara (Scenography), Sacico Ito (Costume Design), Simon Wilkinson (Lighting Design), and Ailie Cohen (Puppet Design) all shared the award for their production of Confessions Of A Shinagawa Monkey, a co-production from Vanishing Point and Kanagawa Arts Theatre.

The UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award, sponsored by Encore, went to Royal & Derngate – a theatre known for its focus on community, and for providing an excellent audience experience.

Honouring a Legend: Carlos Acosta CBE  

The standout moment of the night came when Carlos Acosta CBE, the globally acclaimed dancer and Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre Award. His outstanding career, as an artist and champion of the art form has inspired generations and increased the accessibility of dance throughout the rest of the UK and abroad.

A Name That Celebrates The Pulse of Theatre  

As the applause faded away, the lights dimmed and one message rang out around the magnificent theatre… British theatre is thriving, all thanks to its diversity, creativity, and guts! And the Co-CEOs of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, Claire Walker and Hannah Essex, said it best: “This year’s London West End Theatre Awards have once again highlighted the breadth and brilliance of work being undertaken across the UK. From fantastic community projects to extraordinary productions at The Old Vic, the depth of talent and commitment from our members makes us feel super proud.”

Curtain Call  

Once again, the UK Theatre Awards 2025 illustrated why Britain’s performance arts rank among the top in the world. The evening was capped by the mesmerizing success of Jesus Christ Superstar but that wasn’t all, the awards recognised not just individual achievement but the collaboration and creativity of the providing community, with honourable mentions for concepts centred around inclusion and facilitation of innovation and artistry.

Whether you’re experiencing a world-class performance of the London Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, or exploring a new theatre/dance company in an off-site venue, the capital and the associated London Broadway and London Theatre Shows have proved why the city is the beating heart of global theatre and performance arts.

As the applause fades, one thing is true, the stage will always be the domain of those who dream, perform, and inspire.

If you are intrigued by reading the blog, it’s time for you to witness the West End’s theatrical beauty. Get your London show tickets as soon as possible.