BroadwayWorld, the biggest theatre site on the web, have announced that they will launch a new set of UK theatre awards, to be presented in December 2010.
These awards will recognise excellence in the West End, with additional awards for fringe and regional theatre.
Possible nominees from West End musicals include Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess from Love Never Dies, Tamzin Outhwaite and Mark Umbers from Sweet Charity, and Sheridan Smith, Duncan James and Alex Gaumond of Legally Blonde.
The awards begin this week with the opening of nominations in 25 categories:
* Best Choreography
* Best Costume Design
* Best Direction of a Musical
* Best Direction of a Play
* Best Featured Actor in a Musical
* Best Featured Actor in a Play
* Best Featured Actress in a Musical
* Best Featured Actress in a Play
* Best Leading Actor in a Musical
* Best Leading Actor in a Play
* Best Leading Actress in a Musical
* Best Leading Actress in a Play
* Best Lighting Design
* Best New Musical
* Best Fringe or Regional Musical
* Best Fringe or Regional Play
* Best Orchestrations
* Best New Play
* Best Revival of a Musical
* Best Revival of a Play
* Best Scenic Design
* Best Sound Design
* Best Long Running West End Show
* Theatrical Venue of the Year
* Theatrical Event of the Year
Theatre aficionados, producers, performers and venues can all have their say in the nominations via a link on broadwayworld.com, which will close at the end of August. Then, the top five nominations in each category will be opened to a public vote, with the winners being announced at the end of November.
"I couldn't be more excited," said CEO Robert Diamond, "to bring to the UK our extremely popular Theatre Fans' Choice Awards. We've had more than 1 million votes cast since the awards launched and I can't wait to continue our international expansion with these new awards to honour excellence in the UK. Best of luck to all involved!"
To nominate your favourites, just follow the links below.
Nominations - Performers
Nominations - Shows
Nominations - Creatives
