Top honours at the 24th annual ceremony include wins for Scherzinger, Norton, and a Stranger Things stage play

The 24th annual WhatsOnStage Awards saw major victories for some of the biggest names in theatre, with Nicole Scherzinger, James Norton, and a stage adaptation of Stranger Things among the standout winners. The ceremony, held at the London Palladium, was hosted by Bonnie Langford and Melanie La Barrie.

Scherzinger, who was nominated for an Olivier Award, took home the Best Performer in a Musical award for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy Theatre. The musical, an adaptation of the 1950s black comedy about a faded Hollywood star, dominated the night, claiming seven awards. However, it lost out on Best Musical Revival to Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre.

James Norton earned the Best Performer in a Play award for his role in the stage adaptation of A Little Life, which is based on the Booker Prize-nominated novel by Hanya Yanagihara. A Little Life also saw Luke Thompson winning Best Supporting Performer. The acclaimed adaptation of Uncle Vanya, starring Andrew Scott, took home Best Play Revival.

In other awards, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, set 20 years before the events of the hit Netflix series, won Best New Play after its West End debut at the Phoenix Theatre. Meanwhile, Operation Mincemeat, a Second World War comedy, triumphed as Best New Musical.

The evening also saw special accolades for outstanding contributions to theatre, with the Services to UK Theatre Award presented to National Theatre director Rufus Norris. Best Regional Production went to The Lord of the Rings at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury, while Cabaret star Aimee Lou Wood received the Best Takeover award for her role as Sally Bowles at the Playhouse Theatre.

Other highlights included the presentation of the Best West End Show award to Cabaret, which will soon see Cara Delevingne making her stage debut in the iconic role of Sally Bowles.