Katy Rudd News

Spirits were high on Sunday 23 September when bright-eyed young artists and veterans gathered together to celebrate the rising stars of British theatre at The Stage Debut Awards.

The Stage Debut Awards, in association with Access Entertainment, are thrilled to announce the 2018 winners, following the ceremony which took place at 8 Northumberland Avenue on Sunday 23 September, which was also streamed live on The Stage's Facebook Page.

Matthew Warchus' fourth season as Artistic Director of The Old Vic completes with an Arthur Miller double-bill, a World Premiere by Lucy Prebble and a special One Voice performance. These productions form Part 2 of the season, and follow the previously announced Part 1 consisting of ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company's production of SYLVIA; Annie-B Parson's 17c; Emma Rice's Wise Children; and A Christmas Carol - for which today we also announce further casting.

Alistair Smith, Editor, The Stage said: 'After the huge success of The Stage Debut Awards' first outing in 2017, we're delighted to reveal another superb shortlist of emerging stars that ranges from first-time playwrights in pub theatres to regional directors and those making their debuts on the biggest West End stages. This list underlines the quite astonishing array of diverse talent breaking through in theatres of all scales and types across the UK.'

Pinocchio by Dennis Kelly, featuring songs and score from the Walt Disney film by Leigh Harline, Ned Washington & Paul J Smith, adapted by Martin Lowe, begins previews from 1 December at the National Theatre, with press night set for 13 December 2017. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal below!

Today, property company Bruntwood together with the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester have announced that the 2017 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting has inspired 1,898 writers to submit their plays to Europe's largest prize for playwriting - which closed for entries on Monday 5 June.

Throughout the summer, actors and members of the creative team for the upcoming Broadway production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time have been visiting QSAC's (Quality Services for the Autism Community) programs for students with Asperger's Syndrome. The visits have been a part of an effort by the show's production team to gain a deeper understanding regarding the life experience of young adults with Asperger's, their families, and their educators. Scroll down for a photo!