The Stage 100 2026, supported by Plann, is a special one this year. It is the first to appear in a monthly magazine – our new format dedicated to giving space to more analysis and in-depth coverage. The cover shot of this issue is from a bespoke shoot with this year’s number one. We hope you agree it’s a striking image to usher in a new era for The Stage in a stylish way.
Stylish is also a word befitting our number one. When we came to decide who should take this year’s top spot, this individual was top of all our lists. Over the past 12 months, as you’ll read in our citation, he has worked tirelessly to put Welsh theatre back on the map. And he’s done so with aplomb: forging partnerships, securing funding, signing deals and using his profile to drive real change. Read on to find out more about this remarkable talent, who – following James Graham last year – is the second creative in a row to take the top spot in our annual celebration of the most influential people working in theatre.
In truth, the list is always a challenge for our team. There are names we wrangle over and rigorous debate as we whittle down all the remarkable people in the industry to just 100 entries. Of course, we would love to include everybody. But then it wouldn’t be The Stage 100.
As with last year, we have categories covering London, regional, subsidised and commercial theatre, as well as opera and dance, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, actors and children’s theatre. Outside the top 20, the largest category is our section dedicated to independent creatives, covering choreographers, agents, writers, directors and others who continue to make their mark on the sector. It’s one of my favourite sections, as its diversity and range truly reflect the theatre sector we all know and love.
There are plenty of new names on this year’s list, which of course means others had to move aside. This is never an easy decision, but for the list to grow and remain relevant and reflective of the talent working in theatre, it’s vital.
I hope you will agree that this is a strong list of 100 entries filled with all the individuals who are making theatre the powerful force it is today. As ever, we celebrate you all and your remarkable achievements. Here’s to the next 12 months.