Applications for the Olivier Awards 2026 with Mastercard public panels are now open.
We, at Society of London Theatre (SOLT), are looking for new panellists to help judge categories for the Olivier Awards 2026. Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre and are Britain’s most prestigious stage honours.
The judging period for eligible shows will run from 15 February 2025 for approximately 12 months. During this time, you will be required to watch and review lots of different shows (sometimes 2 or 3 a week) in and around London. While this is quite a commitment, it is a very exciting opportunity for the right individual.
To apply for a panellist place, you will need to write a 150-word review of a production you have seen in the last year, plus provide a list of all the other productions you have seen in that period. The application form will guide you through this and the deadline for applications is Tuesday 2 January 2025. Interviews will be held virtually during the afternoons of 9, 10, 14, and 15 January.
There are 5 separate panels, with each looking at specific categories for different awards. The panels are Theatre, Affiliate (smaller or non-West End London theatres), Opera, Dance and Family. You cannot serve on more than one panel.
Below is more information on the types of panellists we’re looking for, and how to apply to become one.
Theatre, Dance, Opera and Affiliate Panels
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake performance at Olivier Awards 2019 with Mastercard
Panellists are required to see all of the eligible productions in their chosen category. This can include up to 100 plays or musicals in London, though the numbers are usually lower for Affiliate, Opera and Dance. Panellists normally receive two free tickets to each show, plus a free programme. This unpaid position lasts for a year and expenses are not covered.
Please note that you need to be aged 18 years old or over to be considered for this panellist position.
To apply for a panellist place, you will need to write a 150-word review of a production you have seen in the last year, plus provide a list of all the other productions you have seen in that period. The application form will guide you through this and the deadline for applications is Tuesday 2 January 2025. Interviews will be held virtually during the afternoons of 15, 16, 18 & 19 January.
Theatre panel:
Most of these shows will be in West End theatres. You will be assessing the below awards categories:
· Best New Play
· Best Entertainment or Comedy Play
· Best Original Score or New Orchestrations
· Best Revival
· Best New Musical
· Best Musical Revival
· Best Costume Design
· Best Sound Design
· Best Scenic Design
· Best Lighting Design
· Best Director
· Best Theatre Choreographer
· Best Actor in a Supporting Role
· Best Actress in a Supporting Role
· Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical
· Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical
· Best Actress in a Musical
· Best Actor in a Musical
· Best Actor
· Best Actress
Affiliate panel:
Our affiliate theatres tend to be smaller spaces and studios (for example Soho Theatre, Park Theatre, Bush Theatre) and you will be judging the below award category:
· Best Production in Affiliate Theatre
Dance panel:
The dance panel assesses solely dance productions, you will be judging the below award categories:
· Best New Dance Production
· Outstanding Achievement in Dance
Opera panel:
The opera panel assesses solely opera productions, you will be judging the below award categories.
· Best New Opera Production
· Outstanding Achievement in Opera
Family Panel
We are looking for groups of two panellists consisting of an adult (over 18) with an accompanying child (under 14). Panellists need to attend all eligible family shows together (adult & child).
To have the chance to become a panellist, please write one 150-word review of a production you have seen together in the last year, a paragraph telling us a bit about you both, plus a list of all the other productions you have seen in the last 12 months. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 2 January 2025. Interviews will be with the adult (the child will not be expected to attend) and held online on 9, 10, 14, and 15 January.
With our family panel, the children’s opinion truly matters to us and they will be fully involved in the decision-making process. You will be judging the below award categories.
· Best Family Show