[1] The awards ceremony is held annually on the final Friday of January at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London.

In 2021, whilst there was no shortlist or physical ceremony, the awards were re-imagined to celebrate individuals and performing arts organisations that went above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic to keep theatre alive.

For 2022, The Stage Awards returned to Theatre Royal Drury Lane, its former home of nine years, and took place in the auditorium for the first time following its multi-million pound renovation.

After nominations are submitted by the public, the judging panel consult 50 leading figures within the UK theatre industry, working across all sectors, and ask for their input for the long list.

The Unsung Hero Award was added in 2012, to recognise individuals who had made a key contribution to the theatre industry out of the limelight.

As the industry emerges from the coronavirus pandemic, The Stage has adapted its award categories this year to reflect the way British theatre is responding to a changing world.

Nominated by artistic director Josie Rourke, she was praised for unearthing talent including Tom Hiddleston and Lara Pulver.

Nominated by producer James Seabright, he was described as "one of the last of the ‘old school’ theatre managers” that still sported a dinner jacket and greeted every audience member with care and attention before every production."

Seago has worked at the Old Vic, London for over 30 years with artistic director Matthew Warchus calling him "unfailingly sensitive, kind, discrete, loyal and supportive".

Having worked at the north London theatre for a quarter of a century, Joseph is the “essence of the Almeida” according to its artistic director Rupert Goold.

[53] Hosted by the cast of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets too Heavy - Mark Akintimehin, Emmanuel Akwafo, Nnabiko Ejimofor, Darragh Hand, Aruna Jalloh and Kaine Lawrence.