Offies

Process

The OffWestEnd Awards — or Offies — exist to recognise outstanding achievement across the full spectrum of independent theatre. But unlike traditional awards, we’ve done away with fixed categories, capped nominations, and competitive rankings.

In 2025, we relaunched with a bold new model: eight Areas of Exceptional Contribution, each designed to reflect how theatre is actually made today. This flexible structure allows us to spotlight brilliance wherever it appears — in a solo performance, a daring design choice, an inclusive process, or a groundbreaking new script.

Our assessment process is rigorous yet accessible. Productions are first seen by trained assessors, and if both agree on the quality of the work, it may receive an Assessor’s Choice badge — a mark of distinction. If the work stands out in a particular Area, it progresses to our Super Assessors, whose decisions shape nominations and eventual winners.

With no quotas, no hierarchy, and no limits on recognition, the Offies celebrate excellence on its own terms — placing creativity, value, and impact above all else.

Find out more about our processes by clicking the above boxes.

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Finalists & Winners

Judging of the nominations made over a calendar year is carried out at meetings in early January of the following year, where the finalists and winners are decided.

For the Offies awards for full run shows (and including Performance Piece), there is a meeting of the Full Run Awards Judging Panel, consisting of the Super-Assessor team, plus members of the panel of professional critics who support the Offies.

For the Offies awards for IDEA / Opera / TYA, each co-ordinator will meet with their assessor teams.

The winners in each category will be announced at the annual Offies Awards ceremony, which is normally held in February/March.

The decisions of the judging team are final.

The Offies does everything in its power to ensure that the assessing and judging of shows is carried out fairly and impartially. The Assessors are all enthusiastic volunteers who give their time for free, and pay their own travel costs. Entrants for the Offies are asked to respect the confidentiality of the process, and not to seek to influence the process in any way. Any correspondence should be sent to the

Offies Administrator⁠

only.

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