The BBTAs, UK’s biggest night in Black Theatre, returns
NOW IN its seventh year, the Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs) return to London’s Piccadilly Theatre on October 26 2025, bringing together performers, creatives, and audiences for the most powerful and anticipated celebration of Black theatre in the UK.
More than an awards ceremony, the BBTAs are a movement, a platform that amplifies Black talent and ensures that both the history and future of Black British theatre are recognised, celebrated, and remembered.
For decades, Black artists in the UK have been transforming theatre, from trailblazing pioneers who challenged the status quo to contemporary stars redefining what the West End can be.
The BBTAs honour this enduring legacy, celebrating excellence, representation, and the cultural contributions of Black artists 365 days a year.
Last month nominees for this year’s awards wre announced including Beverley Knight, Omari Douglas and Strictly and Kinky Boots star Johannes Radebe.
Knight earns a nomination for her soulful portrayal in Marie & Rosetta at the Rose Theatre whilst in Musical Theatre, stars and productions are celebrated with nominations for standout performances in Hamilton, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King, MJ The Musical and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, highlighting the richness and diversity of the UK stage.
Behind the curtain, the awards honour visionary creatives shaping the theatre experience, from Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black for choreography to musical direction, theatre design, and casting, whose artistry ensures that every production is brought to life with vision, excellence, and unforgettable impact.
Anne Odeke’s critically acclaimed play ‘Princess Essex’ leads the charge, earning an impressive four nominations highlighting performances that are as groundbreaking as they are inspiring, whilst ‘Alterations’, Lynette Linton’s powerhouse production at the National Theatre, resonated with
audiences and critics alike.
The BBTAs are not merely a ceremony—they are a celebration of Black theatre as a living, evolving legacy.
By honouring historical contributions and recognising contemporary achievements, the awards provide visibility, opportunity, and inspiration for Black artists, while reminding audiences that Black stories are central to British theatre, every day of the year.
Aligned with Black History Season, the 2025 awards celebrate the enduring contributions of Black actors, playwrights, designers, and creatives to British theatre.
The BBTAs are a reminder that Black excellence is not confined to one night, one season, or one era—it is a constant, transformative presence that has shaped the UK stage for generations and continues to inspire the future of theatre.
‘Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story’, directed by Yemi Bamiro
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