RSC receives two nominations in The Stage Debut Awards 2026

The Stage Debut Awards are a unique celebration of emerging theatre talent recognising actors and creatives from all backgrounds.

We're thrilled to announce that two performers in RSC productions have received nominations in the Best West End Debut Performer category as part of this year's Stage Debut Awards.

Ten actors in total have been nominated for this category and it is the only award that will be decided by public vote.

The nominees are Alistair Nwachukwu, who led the cast as William in The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and Levi Brown, who is currently playing Christian in Cyrano de Bergerac at the Noël Coward Theatre.

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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind production images_2026_c_ Tyler Fayose_421585_1 — Alistair Nwachukwu in The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. Set & Costume Design by Frankie Bradshaw.
© Tyler Fayose Browse and license our images

Alistair Nwachukwu made his RSC debut in the The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, a bold and uplifting musical telling the true story of William Kamkwamba. The production started life in Stratford-upon-Avon before transferring to @sohoplace for a short run earlier in 2026.

His previous theatre credits include the Almeida Theatre's sold-out production of The Line of Beauty and Choir Boy at Bristol Old Vic. On screen, Alistair’s credits include Netflix’s Shadow and Bone and the upcoming film short A Friend of Dorothy which premiered earlier this year and was nominated for an Oscar in the category of Best Live Action Short.

Cyrano De Bergerac production images_ 2025_2025_c_ Marc Brenner_408857_1 — Levi Brown in Cyrano de Bergerac. Set and Costume Design by Grace Smart.
© Marc Brenner Browse and license our images

Levi Brown made his RSC debut as a tongue-tied Christian in Cyrano de Bergerac, which premiered at the Swan Theatre in September 2025 before transferring to the Noël Coward Theatre, where it runs until 6 September.

His other theatre credits include appearing alongside Ralph Fiennes in Macbeth (UK / Global Tour). TV credits include This Town (BBC One), for which he was nominated for an RTS and Edinburgh TV award, Babydoll (Paramount), Payback (ITV), Invasion (Apple) and I Hate You (Channel 4).

The Stage Debut Awards are a unique celebration of emerging theatre talent, recognising actors and creatives from all backgrounds and taking in everything from West End blockbusters to regional fringe shows.

The winners of this year's awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on 27 September 2026.

In the meantime, voting is now open for the Best West End Debut Performer category:

Cast your vote now

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