Cynthia Erivo, Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award-Winner and Black Panther, Star Wars and Killing Eve actor Danny Sapani will host this year’s Black British Theatre Awards.

The Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs) returns for the 2021 show on 21 November 2021 at The Old Finsbury Town Hall in Clerkenwell, London.

Since launching in 2019, the BBTAs has been fulfilling its aim of raising the profile of Black British creatives and performers. Clearly, having Cynthia Erivo and Danny Sapani as this year’s dynamic co-hosts is a huge boost for the illustrious award show, but hearing the reactions of the co-hosts, it appears the feeling is mutual.

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Commenting on her upcoming hosting duties, Cynthia Erivo says: “I am so proud as a Black British actress to return from Los Angeles to the UK and see these important and ground-breaking awards being celebrated. There is no doubt that they are of great significance and I feel privileged to host this year’s event. It is important to represent, reflect and celebrate the abundance of Black talent Britain has to offer, now more than ever.”

Cynthia Erivo and Danny Sapani will host this year’s Black British Theatre Awards

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Likewise, Danny Sapani says: “I am overjoyed to be a co-host this year! The BBTA awards make visible and celebrate the incredible Black artists and practitioners working in our industry. Often overlooked or ignored by the mainstream media and award ceremonies. It is a vital chance to come together, share the love and support we all so richly deserve for the dedication and passion with which we execute our crafts and disciplines and inspire the next generation. An opportunity, I for one would be lost without.”

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BBTAs Co-founders and Co-directors Solange Urdang and Omar F Okai say:

“These historic and worthy awards have been gathering momentum over the last three years and we are thrilled to get so much support from such important figures within Black UK Theatre and beyond. We are also delighted to present Derek Griffiths MBE his BBTA Lifetime Achievement Award this year, Derek has had so much influence and inspired so many, including the both of us.”