WhatsOnStage Awards

Theatre lovers, it's that time of year again. We're gearing up for awards season as we look forward to celebrating all of the newest productions from the last 12 months at the ever-fabulous WhatsOnStage Awards.

It's guaranteed to be a star-studded event, and you could join us for a night of celeb-spotting (plus live performances and plenty of glitz and glam). We're giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky Travelzoo member to accompany us to the ceremony. Enter now at the bottom of the page to be in with a chance of winning. 

We'll be watching out to see who comes away with the title of Best New Musical, which Travelzoo is excited to be sponsoring once again. Last year saw "Mean Girls" take home the winner, but who will it be this year? See who's in the running below...

'The Great Gatsby'

This Tony Award-winner took over The London Coliseum last summer for a "shimmering, spangled, and frankly masterful display of opulence" (Radio Times). We all know the story. Mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby spends his fortune throwing lavish parties for the rich and famous, all while longing to reunite with his former flame, Daisy Buchanan.

Just when you thought this story couldn't get any more extravagant, the musical adaptation pulled out all the stops—sparkling costumes, vivid Art Deco sets, and (of course) a heap of spectacularly jazzy showtunes. "This was a fabulously decadent show full of 1920's glamour", says Travelzoo's Communications Director Cat... "the Coliseum's massive stage was the perfect party-fuelled venue for our glimpse into Jay Gatsby's life". 

Disney's 'Hercules'

"Disney's latest stage show is god tier", according to the Radio Times. Based on the 1997 animated film, it's got all the favourites from the original soundtrack, like "I Won't Say (I'm In Love)" and "Zero To Hero", plus brand new songs from Alan Menken and David Zippel, who also wrote the movie score. 

The set feels like something straight out of an Ancient Greek myth, home to gods, mortals, and everything in between, including the iconic gospel-singing muses, who are a real highlight of the show, strutting about in their dazzling costumes. Here's what Travelzoo Assistant Producer Jo had to say about this one—"a great spectacle with fantastic vocals and dance numbers. It brought back all the joy I remember from watching the film as a kid".

It's at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until March this year, so take this as your sign to get those tickets booked!

'Here and Now'

Now, if you're a fan of Steps, this one might be getting your vote. The new jukebox musical from director Rachel Kavanaugh features a "foot kickin', finger clickin', leather slapping, hand clappin'" (WhatsOnStage) medley of smash songs from the iconic British pop phenomenon. "Tragedy", "5, 6, 7, 8", "Deeper Shade of Blue", they're all in there. 

So, what's the story? It's Friday night and Caz and her friends dream of the perfect summer of love. When they discover their attempts at romance are totally tragic, they start to wonder if they'll ever get their happy ever afters. Following a world-record breaking premiere, this hilarious celebration of love and friendship is now "Stomp[ing]" around the UK and Ireland. Safe to say this one isn't "Better Best Forgotten" (we'll see ourselves out now).

'Paddington The Musical'

Everyone's favourite marmalade-loving bear made his way to the West End in 2025. Star of a beloved book series, a trilogy of blockbuster films, and now a smash-hit musical, we can probably declare him a national treasure at this point. He might be able to add WhatsOnStage Award-winner to his roster soon, as the musical is up for a whopping 14 awards at this year's ceremony.

The production follows a similar story to the 2014 film, as Paddington tries to find his place in London after leaving his home in the Peruvian jungle. With a combination of on-stage performance inside the costume from Arti Shah and James Heed voicing and remotely controlling facial expressions off-stage, the duo bring this adorable bear to life. It's "utterly convincing", says Tatler, and "the result is a triumph". 

The music is equally as impressive, featuring "marvellous" (The Guardian) songs and lyrics from Tom Fletcher (of McFly fame). From big show tunes to catchy pop numbers, you'll definitely have a few tracks stuck in your head after this one. 

'Shucked'

Last summer, "riotously funny" (London Theatre) "Shucked" took over Regent Park's Open Air Theatre for five weeks of corny fun. We mean that literally by the way—this country-and-western musical is all about corn. When the folks in Cob County uncover that the corn that protects their small community has started to die, they need answers, but this means someone must dare to go beyond the town's borders. This is left to youngster Maizy, who embarks on a big-city adventure. "Arguably the plot is simply 'corn puns'", says TimeOut. 

The show was nominated for nine Tony Awards back in the US and features a super talented team of creatives, including writing and directing from Tony Award-winners Robert Hoon ("Tootsie") and Jack O'Brien ("Hairspray"). Music is by Grammy Award-winning songwriting team Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. 

'Titanique'

Inspired by the iconic 1997 movie with Kate and Leo, "Titanique" had Travelzoo Senior Sales Manager Jon belly laughing from start to finish. It's "one of the funniest nights out [he's] had in years and definitely in [his] top five shows of 2025"—top praise!

The comedy musical parodies the night of Jack and Rose's fateful voyage, narrated by... Celine Dion. Expect a "sensationally ludicrous" (TimeOut) impersonation of the global superstar as the story is re-told from her perspective, with plenty of beloved songs throughout, including "My Heart Will Go On", "I'm Alive", and "All By myself".

There's fourth wall breaks, hilarious pop culture references, and the singing is "incredible", says Travelzoo Senior Sales Manager Pete. After seeing it five (!) times last year, he's still "drowning in laughter every time". 

Competition time

What do you think, which one of these would get your vote? Don't forget, you could be right there with us on the night to see who takes home the prize! All you need to do is enter below for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the ceremony on 8 March. The competition closes at 11:59pm on 1 February, 2026.