“Stage Debut Awards 2026”: Sadie Sink wins top prize in London for “Romeo and Juliet” debut

“Stranger Things” star Sadie Sink has been named winner of the “Best West End Debut Performer” award at the “Stage Debut Awards 2026” ceremony, as BroadwayWorld reports. The award, given for her performance in “Romeo and Juliet” at the Harold Pinter Theatre, is the ceremony’s only one decided by public vote, and Sink joins the roll of honor alongside past winners such as Rachel Zegler, Jodie Comer and Rose Ayling-Ellis.

The ceremony, held on Sunday evening at 8 Northumberland Avenue in London and hosted by actor and comedian Hammed Animashaun, gathered some of the most influential figures in British theatre. The awards, organized by The Stage in collaboration with Netflix, are the only ones dedicated exclusively to debutants on the professional and West End stage, with eight categories this year.

Among the other winners, two awards were shared: Julianne Pundan (“Miss Saigon” at Manchester’s Palace Theatre) and James Spence (“Thespians”) jointly received the “Best Performer in a Musical” award, while Robert Aramayo (“Guess How Much I Love You?” at the Royal Court) and Zoë Armer (“The Virgins” at Soho Theatre) shared the “Best Performer in a Play” award. Tommaso Giacomin was named “Best Director”, Georgie Dettmer “Best Writer”, Jordan Luke Gage “Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer” for “Redcliffe”, Natalie Roar “Best Designer” for the costumes of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” at the National Theatre, and Ava Pickett received the “Best Creative West End Debut” award for “1536” at the Ambassadors Theatre.

The evening was presented by a host of familiar names, including Sting, Indhu Rubasingham, Tyrone Huntley, Marisha Wallace and Michael Rishawn. According to BroadwayWorld, attendees enjoyed performances by Tyrone Huntley and “Avenue Q”, a medley by the West End Theatre Choir and a surprise performance by Sting alongside Frances McNamee from “The Last Ship”.

Sam Marlowe, reviews editor at The Stage and co-chair of the jury, said this year’s winners represent a truly inspiring range of fresh talent: “Their energy and vision will ensure the stage remains a vibrant, socially and culturally important creative space.” The ninth edition of the awards was held on the eve of the 10th anniversary, celebrated in 2027, and its alumni have produced Olivier and Tony award winners over the years.