EARLIER THIS month the BBTAs revealed their nominee list and broadcast information.

Voted by the public, this year’s nominees represent some of the finest black performers and creative professionals in UK theatre.

Building on the groundbreaking inaugural live event, the 2020 awards ceremony will engage and inspire audiences nationwide when it airs on Sky Arts at 9pm on October 25, as part of the channel’s free to air line-up.

2020 has been a landmark year for the theatre community, with unprecedented challenges presented by the impact of Covid-19 and the global call for racial justice, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of society.

This TV programme will uplift and shine a spotlight on the performances and productions that have captivated audiences over the past year.

And, in this pivotal moment in history, it will champion representation through the recognition of exceptional black talent in British theatre.

The event will be hosted by Eddie Nestor, ​BBC Radio London​ Presenter and comedic actor known for starring in trailblazing black UK TV programmes ​The Real McCoy​ and ​Desmonds​.

Special guest presenters include: Sharon Watson, Dawn Hope, Giles Terera, Jason Pennycooke, Lynette Linton and Danny Sapani.

The 2020 Black British Theatre Awards will be Executively Produced by Kwame Kwei-Armah and produced by Shantelle Rochester and Director Charlie Di Placido.

The Sky Arts partnership was facilitated by Simone Pennant at the TV Collective and Black British Theatre Awards Partnerships lead Karina H Maynard.

The socially-distanced event will take place at London’s Young Vic theatre and will include a vibrant awards ceremony interspersed with spoken word performed by artist Kojey Radical, live music, dance and artistic content.

BBTA Directors Solange Urdang and Omar F Okai said: “This is an important year, with UK theatre coming to a standstill and the Black Lives Matter protests.

“We feel it is important nowmore than ever to highlight the wonderful Black British talent we have in abundance and hope to bring positivity to such a difficult time.”

The 2020 Black British Theatre Awards is presented in partnership with headline sponsor Sky Arts.

Phillip Edgar-Jones, Director, Sky Arts said: “We are pleased to be able to provide a platform at Sky Arts to showcase the very best of black British theatre talent – particularly at a time of such crisis for the theatre industry.

“Art and culture is even more vital at this point and we know the incredible talent on display here will point the way to a brighter future when the recovery begins.”