Since its formation in 1996, WhatsOnStage has become the trusted source for theatre information and editorial content. It offers a database of some 5,500 plus performances along with reviews, interviews, gossip, blogs and exclusive video content. Alongside this, each year the organisation hosts the WhatsOnStage Awards – the only major theatre awards in which the audience are the judges across all categories. With its origins in theatre, complete productions solution specialist White Light is once again sponsoring the event.
WL has previously sponsored the Awards Concert, where the available accolades include Best Actor in a Musical, Best Actress in a Musical, Best New Play and Best Lighting Design, which is sponsored by WL and whose previous recipients include Mark Henderson, Adam Silverman and Hugh Vanstone. Hannah Longman, commercial manager at WhatsOnStage, comments: “We are extremely fortunate to have companies such as WL sponsor the Awards. It is through their support that such an evening is made possible and we are extremely grateful for their contribution.”
In a year which has seen WL continuously expand its services and resources, the company still has an extremely strong presence in the world of theatre. Not only does it continue to be the leading lighting supplier to the West End and UK touring theatre but this year WL has also worked at the Edinburgh Fringe, the Manchester International Festival and provided its support on a series of immersive theatre projects.
WL’s managing director Bryan Raven comments: “Theatre is still very much at the heart of what we do. You just need to look over the past couple of months where we have supplied lighting for the London premiere of Photograph 51 starring Nicole Kidman along with the UK Tours of Handbagged, Mary Poppins and The Shawshank Redemption. We also once again supplied the lighting equipment on the Rocky Horror Show at The Playhouse Theatre – 42 years after we supplied the original production at the Royal Court Theatre.”
The WhatsOnStage Awards' official charity is the Kevin Spacey Foundation, which enables the creation of new work via KSF Grants, designs bespoke education opportunities through KSF Learning, and offers subsidised university places via KSF Scholarships. Hannah adds: “What’s great about this event is that it not only celebrates the nation’s favourite theatre but also supports the artists and companies that are the future of the theatre industry.”
This year’s Concert marks the 16th anniversary of the Awards, and promises to be the biggest one yet. Nominations open on 30th October and close on 27th November. A shortlist will be announced on 3rdDecember, at which point the public voting will also open. This will close on 31st January before the winners are announced at the Awards Concert itself on 21st February 2016.
photos: Peter Gibbons