Dunedin Theatre Awards for 2025

By Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha | Dunedin UNESCO City Of Literature | Posted: Thursday Feb 19, 2026

Congratulations to the 14th annual Ōtepoti Dunedin Theatre Award Winners!

• Outstanding Performance – Lead Female Role: Harriet Moir

• Outstanding Performance – Lead Male Role: Max Beal

• Outstanding Performance – Supporting Female Role: Laura Wells

• Outstanding Performance – Supporting Male Role: Steve Parker

• Outstanding Performance – Duo: Kelly Hocking and Sara Georgie

• Outstanding Performance – Ensemble: The Neurospice Girls (Lizzie Tollemache, Mārama Grant, Lexie Tomlinson, Ellie Swann, Destiny Carvell)

• Outstanding Concept – Script: Nick Tipa’s “Babyface”

• Outstanding Concept – Libretto: Gillian Whitehead and Tessa Peterson’s “The Journey of Mataatua Whare”

• Outstanding Performance – Touring Production: Trick of the Light’s “Suitcase Show”

• Emerging Artist: Ella Court

• Outstanding Design – Set and Technology: Matthew Morgan and Garry Keirle

• Outstanding Design – Costume and Props: Sofie Welvaert

• Outstanding Direction: Kim Morgan for “The Neurospice Girls”

• Production of the Year: “Babyface”

• Outstanding Community Theatre; Dunedin Summer Shakespeare

• Individual Community Contribution: Rochelle Brophy, Brent Caldwell, Ellie Swann and Lisa Warrington

• In Memoriam: Jen Lal, Dame Patricia Harrison, Shirley Kelly, Yvonne Jessop

• Commendations: Dunedin Fringe Festival, Playhouse Children’s and Youth Theatre, Otago/Southland SGCNZ Schools Festival, Firestation Theatre, Improsaurus, Stage South, Theatreworks, Martyn Robert’s and the School of Performing Arts’ Lunchtime Theatre Programme

• The Louise Petherbridge Award: Hilary Halba