SHOWBIZ QUEENSTOWN BIG WINNERS IN OSTAS (OTAGO SOUTHLAND THEATRE AWARDS) The 12th annual Otago Southland Theatre Awards (OSTAS), celebrating outstanding achievements in the field of theatre during the past year, took place on Saturday evening at the Wingatui Racecourse, bringing together the region’s most talented and dedicated performers, directors, and production teams. The OSTAS recognized excellence across 24 categories, including on-stage performance, musical, and off-stage technical roles. The event was a testament to the passion and creativity that thrives within our theatre community.

Award Highlights:

• Best Musical: Into the Woods – Showbiz Queenstown

• Best Play: Mum's the Word 2 - Teenagers - Repertory Invercargill

• Best Youth Production: Sweeney Todd - The demon barber of Fleet Street - Central Southland College

• Best Director: Marty Newell – Into the Woods

Showbiz Queenstown was the big winner on the night, taking out 6 awards, including Best Set, Best Vocal Direction, Best Direction, and Best Overall Musical for 2025. The other notable winners were Musical Theatre Dunedin, who took out 4 awards for their production of Chess, and last year’s big winners Taieri Musical winning three accolades for Jesus Christ Superstar.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the remarkable talent and hard work that have been showcased over the last 12 months,” said Gwyn Stevenson, Chair of the OSTAS. “The Otago Southland Theatre Awards are a testament to the enduring power of live theatre and its ability to bring people together.” The event was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the Taieri Musical organising committee for hosting.

The Anne Gilkison Award for Best Properties

Mum's the Word 2 - Teenagers - Repertory Invercargill

The Duncan Anderson Award for Best Leading Performer in a Male role in a Play

Darren Ludlow as Nanny Fanny – Throbbin Wood – Repertory Invercargill

The Duncan Anderson Award for Best Leading Performer in a Female role in a Play

Sarah McCarthy as Barbara - Mum's the Word 2 – Teenagers - Repertory Invercargill

The Play Bureau Award for Best Overall Play Mum's the Word 2 - Teenagers - Repertory Invercargill.