The Stage 100 2025 List Announced
The Stage 100 List 2025 pays tribute to the most influential figures shaping the landscape of theatre. From daring playwrights to pioneering producers, these visionaries continue to drive the industry forward. Here's a detailed look at the top 20 names in theatre this year:
1. James Graham – Playwright
Ranking in 2024: 9
James Graham's play Punch for Nottingham Playhouse had an impact far beyond its initial audience. The exceptional narrative captured the spirit of the times, resonating deeply with viewers and elevating Graham’s status as one of the most important playwrights of his generation. His work demonstrates the power of storytelling to break barriers and ignite conversations.
2. Michael Harrison – Michael Harrison Entertainment/Crossroads Pantomimes
Ranking in 2024: 6
Michael Harrison’s remarkable contributions to theatre were celebrated when Andrew Lloyd Webber named a suite after him at the London Palladium. Harrison’s productions, including Hello, Dolly! and the Palladium’s acclaimed pantomime seasons, have made an indelible mark on British theatre.
3. Nica Burns – Nimax and @sohoplace
Ranking in 2024: 2
Nica Burns’ fearless commitment to innovation was evident as @sohoplace marked its second anniversary with a diverse slate of productions. From the groundbreaking Death of England trilogy to the West End’s first sensory-friendly panto, Burns has cemented her reputation as a bold and inclusive leader.
4. Ted Stimpson, Michael Lynas, and Adam Speers – ATG Entertainment
Ranking in 2024: 3
ATG Entertainment experienced record-breaking success in 2024. With blockbuster productions like Wicked and The Lion King, plus in-house hits such as Cabaret, ATG has set the gold standard for large-scale theatre management.
5. Rufus Norris, Indhu Rubasingham, Kate Varah, Clint Dyer, and Kash Bennett – National Theatre
Ranking in 2024: 1
The National Theatre’s productions, from The Grapes of Wrath to The Hot Wing King, were met with critical acclaim in 2024. As Rufus Norris prepares to step down, Indhu Rubasingham’s upcoming tenure promises a fresh and exciting chapter.
6. Andrew Lloyd Webber – Really Useful Group/LW Theatres
Ranking in 2024: 5
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s creative renaissance continues, with Starlight Express reimagined and a Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard. His collaboration with Jamie Lloyd on The Tempest and the upcoming Evita ensures his legacy as a transformative force in theatre.
7. Sonia Friedman – Sonia Friedman Productions
Ranking in 2024: 7
Sonia Friedman’s extraordinary slate of productions, including Mean Girls and Jez Butterworth’s The Hills of California, dominated the West End and Broadway in 2024. Her ability to deliver both commercial hits and thought-provoking works underscores her influence.
8. Cameron Mackintosh – Delfont Mackintosh Ltd/Music Theatre International
Ranking in 2024: 4
Mackintosh’s theatres hosted enduring classics like Les Misérables and Hamilton, while new productions of Oliver! and The Phantom of the Opera ensured his empire remains a powerhouse of global theatre.
9. Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire – Trafalgar Entertainment
Ranking in 2024: 8
The founders of Trafalgar Entertainment expanded their portfolio with new venues and innovative productions, including Kiss Me, Kate and The Duchess (of Malfi). Their forward-thinking approach positions them as leaders in theatrical entrepreneurship.
10. Jamie Lloyd – Director
Ranking in 2024: 10
Jamie Lloyd’s work on Sunset Boulevard swept the Oliviers in 2024, and his innovative productions of The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet showcased his ability to reimagine classics for contemporary audiences.
11. Matthew Bourne and Robert Noble – New Adventures
Ranking in 2024: 13
The iconic Swan Lake celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024, while new productions like Oliver! and the ongoing Mary Poppins tour highlighted Matthew Bourne’s unmatched talent for reinvention.
12. David Ian – Crossroads Live
Ranking in 2024: 11
David Ian oversaw an impressive 39 productions worldwide in 2024, including major tours of Dear Evan Hansen and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. With The Bodyguard and My Best Friend’s Wedding lined up for 2025, his global impact continues to grow.
13. Daniel Evans, Tamara Harvey, and Andrew Leveson – Royal Shakespeare Company
Ranking in 2024: 19
The RSC’s new leadership team delivered a season of critically acclaimed productions, from Twelfth Night to The Red Shoes. Their commitment to educational outreach and artistic excellence sets a high bar for the company’s future.
14. Rupert Goold and Denise Wood – Almeida Theatre
Ranking in 2024: 14
The Almeida continued to thrive under Goold and Wood’s leadership, with standout productions like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and the upcoming transfer of The Years to the West End.
15. Jamie Wilson – Jamie Wilson Productions
Ranking in 2024: 17
Jamie Wilson’s impressive roster included Mrs. Doubtfire and The Devil Wears Prada, while his ambitious plans for 2025, including a new production of Calamity Jane, signal his continued influence.
16. Chris Stafford and Nikolai Foster – Curve, Leicester
Ranking in 2024: 18
Curve Leicester’s 2024 highlights included My Fair Lady and The Mountaintop. With Kinky Boots and Muriel’s Wedding on the horizon, Stafford and Foster are redefining regional theatre.
17. David Byrne – Royal Court
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Byrne’s fresh approach at the Royal Court has revitalized the venue, with initiatives like the Writers’ Card membership scheme and ambitious programming, including 4.48 Psychosis and Manhunt.
18. David Gilbery and Jenny Seagrove – Bill Kenwright Ltd
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Following the passing of Bill Kenwright, Gilbery and Seagrove have upheld the company’s legacy with West End hits and touring productions, ensuring its enduring impact on British theatre.
19. Kate Prince – ZooNation
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Prince’s work on Message in a Bottle and her leadership at ZooNation demonstrate her ability to blend narrative and movement in groundbreaking ways. With a new commission from the National Theatre, her star continues to rise.
20. Tarek Iskander – Battersea Arts Centre
Ranking in 2024: 21
Iskander’s innovative programming and commitment to accessibility at Battersea Arts Centre have made it a vital space for contemporary theatre. Upcoming productions promise to further cement its reputation as a hub for creative experimentation.
