Following the announcement of this year’s Offies nominations, OffFest returns as the festival arm of OffWestEnd, shining a spotlight on innovative theatre across the UK. While the Offies Awards celebrate London-based productions, OffFest ensures that work created at festivals nationwide receives the recognition it deserves—even when operating with shorter runs and smaller budgets than West End shows.
Launched in 2019, OffFest was designed to amplify festival theatre, which often serves as the birthplace of some of the UK’s most urgent and innovative creative ideas. From emerging artists at the Brighton Fringe to internationally acclaimed companies at the Edinburgh Fringe, OffFest provides a platform to showcase these productions to a wider audience.
“Festival theatre often runs for days, not weeks. It operates with tighter budgets and fewer safety nets. Yet it is frequently where the most urgent ideas emerge,” says Denholm Spurr, Executive Producer of the Offies. “OffFest ensures that this work is not overlooked simply because it was fleeting. It is a vital extension of the Offies model—broadening our reach beyond the capital and strengthening career pathways.”
Extending the Life of Acclaimed Productions
OffFest brings back a curated selection of nominated and award-winning shows, extending the life of acclaimed productions and increasing visibility for the independent theatre sector. Many OffFest winners have gone on to transfer to OffWestEnd, the West End, or tour nationally, proving the festival’s role in shaping theatre careers.
This year’s nominees represent a diverse mix, from veteran companies like the National Theatre of Scotland and Handspring Puppet Company to fresh talent premiering at Brighton and Camden Fringe. Recognising work at the Voila! Festival also allows OffFest to highlight productions in languages other than English, further championing inclusivity and diversity in theatre.
2026 Nominees:
Brighton Fringe:
-
Duty / Twilight Theatre / The Lantern Theatre
-
Electra / The Conor Baum Company / BN1 Arts Centre
-
HOW TO KILL A CHICKEN / Let Luz Productions / The Actors
Camden Fringe:
-
Am I Losing My Mind Or Just My Figure? / Untethered + Hinterland / Etcetera Theatre
-
Anthropocene / Ben Wendel and Emily Hawkins / Barons Court Theatre
-
Buds, Revolt! / Stephanie Chu / Hen & Chickens Theatre
-
Every Great Man / RamPage Theatre / The Cockpit
…and more
Edinburgh Fringe:
-
4’s a Crowd / The Fiascoholics / theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall
-
AH-MA / Cathy Lam Arts Collective / theSpace @ Niddry Street
-
Make It Happen / National Theatre of Scotland / Festival Theatre
…and over 40 more productions
Voila! Festival:
-
Be Gay, for God’s Sake / Oh My My / Theatre Deli
-
Comfort / Giannine Tan / Barons Court Theatre
-
Hecuba: Why Am I In Your Country? / Arwa Omaren / Theatro Technis
…and more
Tickets are available via TodayTix.
Awards Ceremony
The winners of OffFest will be announced alongside the main Offies Awards at a star-studded ceremony on 30th March 2026 at Central Hall Westminster. Hosted by drag icon Divina de Campo, the evening promises live performances, special guests, and a celebration of independent theatre excellence.
For more updates on independent theatre across the UK, visit OffWestEnd 2.0 and follow @offwestendcom on social channels including X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
