The Offies, which are now in their fifth year, acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of over 100 independent theatres across London. Winners are chosen from over 400 performances that are assessed by a panel who make recommendations to the judges over a 12 month period at venues all over London and then celebrated at an award ceremony by their peers, the press and the blogosphere.



This year for the first time winners in 18 of the award categories will receive an introduction to an industry expert via the Offie Patron Saint scheme, who can give them specialist advice, guide their next steps, open doors and facilitate introductions to other experts to help progress their careers.



The awards were presented by David Lan, Dame Eileen Atkins, Nia Janis of Playful Productions, Stephen Mear and Nicholas Payne, amongst others.



The full list of winners, together with sponsors and patron saints where appropriate, follows:


Best Female Performance
Phoebe Waller-Bridge for Fleabag at Soho
Sponsored by Rainy Day Films 
Best Male Performance

Jamie Samuel for Jumpers for Goalposts at The Bush

Best New Play
The Match Box by Frank McGuinness at The Tricycle
Sponsored by Radisson Blu Edwardian
Patron Saint: Jack Bradley



Most Promising New Playwright

Phoebe Waller-Bridge for Fleabag at Soho
Sponsored by Playdead Press
Patron Saint: Jack Bradley


Best Director
Michael Strassen for Billy at The Union
Sponsored by The Stage Castings
Patron Saint: Rufus Norris


Best Producer

Sasha Regan at The Union
Sponsored by Rococo Chocolate
Patron Saint: Sonia Friedman

Best Artistic Director

David Byrne at The New Diorama

Sponsored by SIT
Patron Saint: David Lan



Best Lighting Designer

Howard Hudson for Titanic (Southwark Playhouse) and Lizzie Siddal (Arcola)

Sponsored by White Light
Patron Saints: David Howe and Paule Constable

Best Sound Designer

Ben and Max Ringham for Ring at Battersea Arts Centre
Patron Saint: Paul Arditti


Best Set Designer

Oliver Townsend for Grounded at The Gate

Patron Saint: Bill Buckhurst

Best Costume Designer
David Woodhead for Lizzie Siddal at The Arcola and Titanic at Southwark Playhouse
Patron Saint: Natalie Abrahami

Best Choreographer
Cressida Carré for Titanic at Southwark Playhouse
Patron Saint: Stephen Mear


Best Ensemble

Simple8 for Moby Dick (Arcola) and The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (Arcola)
Patron Saint: Polly Teale


Best Production

Grounded at The Gate
Sponsored by Masterclass

Patron Saint: Mark Goucher


Best Musical Production

Titanic at Southwark Playhouse
Patron Saints: Nia Janis and Matthew Byam Shaw


Best New Musical

Glasgow Girls at Theatre Royal Stratford East

Patron Saints: Nia Janis and Matthew Byam Shaw


Best Opera Production

Puppet Opera Triple Bill by Third Hand at The Rosemary Branch
Sponsored by Graham’s Port

Patron Saint: Nicholas Payne


Best Production for Young People

Cinderella at The Unicorn co-produced with Travelling Light and The Tobacco Factory

Egg by Cahoots NI at Polka Theatre

Patron Saint: John Retallack


In addition, there are awards given by public vote for Best Theatre Bar, Best Theatre Foodie Experience and Most Welcoming Theatre.