First published: 17 Nov 2008

Theatregoers wanting to have their say on the best of London theatre in 2008 can do just that in the ninth annual Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Awards, for which nominations are now open.

Throughout November, members of the public can go online to nominate those actors, productions and directors – across 25 categories – they consider deserving of an award for their work in Theatreland this year.

Hairspray leading lady Michael Ball (pictured), reality television host Graham Norton and Eurobeat’s Mel Giedroyc will be on hand to announce the shortlisted nominees to industry guests at a launch party at the Hippodrome on 5 December. The company of cabaret show La Clique – which is currently occupying the Hippodrome – the cast of Jersey Boys and opera diva and Carousel star Lesley Garrett will also entertain guests at the event.

From 8 December public voting will open once more to select the winners of this year’s awards, to be announced in the week of 9 February, culminating in an Awards Concert held at a West End theatre.

Around 25,000 people voted in last year’s awards, with the musical Hairspray triumphing in seven categories.

The Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Awards are part of the annual awards calendar which also includes the Evening Standard Awards, the Critics’ Circle Awards and the pinnacle of the awards season, the Laurence Olivier Awards, announced next March.

CB