Stiles + Drewe Best New Song Prize 2026
Join us for an unforgettable evening of showstopping new musical theatre, brought to life by a sensational cast of West End stars. The Stiles + Drewe Best New Song Prize, produced by Mercury Musical Developments, returns for its 19th year, spotlighting the UK’s most exciting emerging songwriting talent.
Following an exceptionally strong response from musical theatre writers, twelve outstanding new songs from the musicals of tomorrow will take centre stage, offering a first look at the future voices of British theatre. Curated and championed by the celebrated writing duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (Mary Poppins, Half a Sixpence, Honk!), this prestigious prize continues to elevate the next generation of musical theatre creators.
Mercury Musical Developments (MMD) is the UK’s leading talent development organisation for musical theatre writers. For over 30 years, MMD has championed the composers, lyricists and book writers whose ideas, stories and creativity shape the future of British musicals.
Experience an unforgettable evening of electrifying new musical theatre, performed by West End stars. The 19th annual Stiles + Drewe Best New Song Prize showcases twelve standout songs by rising UK composers and lyricists. Produced by Mercury Musical Developments, this gala celebrates the future of British musicals. Every ticket supports emerging talent and the next generation of musical theatre.
2026 FINALISTS:
A Sliver of Sunlight from Hyacinthus by Trevor K. Band
Be Your Own Man from Rising by Amy Clare Tasker & Tom James McGrath
Earth To Theo from Theo In Between by Gareth Mattey & Jordan Li Smith
Every Day from The Deep End by Dom Patterson, Kate Peters & Paul Grady
Father from Confessional by James Lark
First from Sally In The Woods by James Joshua Otto & P Burton-Morgan
In The Beginning from Legendary by Cheeyang Ng
Monster In The Mirror from Stigma by Jane Subachus
Paris Is Calling from Le Pètomane – The Musical by Tim Waters
Shadows from The Last Lost Boy by Jacob Attwooll & Kyla Stroud
Skylines from Elbow Deep by Elinor Peregrin
There’s More To Me from The Most Hated Family In America by Aveev Issacson & Matt Bond
Main House
12 October 7:30PM
Performance time:
Mon – 7.30pm
Ticket prices: £36
TBC
The main entrance, both our auditoriums and our bar are wheelchair accessible. We also have 2 accessible toilets. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome in the auditorium. There is a Loop system and a Radio Frequency system fitted in the auditorium and there are also hearing loops available at the Box Office. Please see our Accessibility Guidance and please feel free to contact our access team access@theotherpalace.co.uk should there be anything else we can do to make your visit more comfortable.
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This production continues to support the new writing development fund at The Other Palace. 50p from each ticket sold on all future productions in the main house, will be allocated to a ringfenced fund specifically to support the development of new writing and emerging playwrights.
Full details of the first open call and details on how to apply will be announced later this year. See for more information here.