Beverley Knight, Shifters, Lynette Linton and Arinzé Kene led the outstanding roster of winners at the Black British Theatre Awards 2025 (BBTAs) in London’s Piccadilly Theatre last week.
In what is now an annual celebration of Black excellence, artistry, and legacy, the BBTAs, the UK’s biggest night in Black British theatre returned with standing ovations, emotional speeches, and unforgettable performances. It was the seventh outing of the renowned ceremony.
Devil Wears Prada star Vanessa Williams, Laurence Olivier Award-winning British singer and actor Matt Henry MBE, and The Good Wife’s Cush Jumbo OBE were just some of the hugely talented personalities supporting the awards as presenters.
Confirming the event as a true night of entertainment, the cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Harder They Come and Alexandra Burke and the Kingdom Choir showcased powerhouse performances to the showstopping night at the Piccadilly Theatre.
From Shifters to The Lion King musical, Marie & Rosetta to Hamilton, the nominees from these productions represented the rich spectrum of Black artistry shaping the British stage today. Guests enjoyed spectacular showcases, with performers from Shifters, The Lion King, Hamilton, Starlight Express, Hadestown, and Oliver! The Musical all taking home awards.
Among the many poignant and exciting moments of the night, a highlight was the award and speech of the wonderful Keilah Kofi (Young Nala in The Lion King and Tina), who won her first BBTA at just 10 years old for Best Child Performer. Demonstrating the significance of representation, she said: “I just want to say I’m over the moon. I’m so happy I got this award. This award means so much to me, because it’s my first ever award. I feel that celebrating young Black performers is so special and important.
“Lion King was my debut, and it taught me all I know about theatre now. Tina was also amazing to be in. My last thank you is to all of you guys for being so friendly and welcoming as a community.”
2025 BBTA Winners
The following are some of the tremendously talented winners of this year’s BBTAs.
Lynette Linton celebrated a triple triumph across three hit productions — Shifters, Intimate Apparel, and Alterations.
Beverley Knight took home Best Female Lead Actor in a Play for her moving portrayal in Marie & Rosetta at The Rose Theatre (Sponsored by LAMDA).
Arinzé Kene’s compelling performance in Alterations at the National Theatre earned him Best Male Lead Actor in a Play.
Jay Perry’s dynamic turn in Hamilton won him Best Male Lead Actor in a Musical.
Musical theatre standout Shanay Holmes triumphed with Best Female Lead Actor in a Musical for her show-stopping performance in Oliver! The Musical at the Gielgud Theatre (Sponsored by Link-Artists),
The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre roared to victory with Best Musical Production (Sponsored by TodayTix).
The powerful new play Shifters, staged at the Duke of York’s Theatre, earned Best Production – Play. It was sponsored by AKA, cementing its place as one of the year’s most celebrated productions.
The 2025 ceremony was sponsored by ATG Entertainment and presented in partnership with Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Global Creatures, and with thanks to Playful Productions.
For a full list of winners, visit the BBTA website.
