Critics' Awards for Theatre in Scotland

The ceremony is itinerant in terms of location, switching between theatre venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and elsewhere – for example, in 2007 the ceremony was hosted by Pitlochry Festival Theatre, while in 2019 the event was held at Tramway (arts centre) [2] in Glasgow.

The Awards Ceremony, which takes place on the second Sunday in June, is open to the general public, not just members of Scotland's theatre industry.

The judges are invited critics[3] who write regularly on theatre across Scotland, for print and/or online publications.

The first CATS, in June 2003 (covering productions between May 2002 to April 2003) announced five awards: Best Production; Best Male Performance; Best Female Performance; Best Design; and Best New Play. Five additional categories were quickly added: Best Director; Best Technical Presentation; Best Production for Children and Young People; Best Ensemble; and Best Music and Sound.

There is also the special "CATS Whiskers", which is awarded to individuals or organisations whom the judges believe have made a significant contribution to theatre in Scotland. The most recent recipient of this award – which is granted only occasionally – was Muriel Romanes in 2016,[4] for "supporting and strengthening women's role in Scottish theatre", most notably as the first artistic director[5] of Stellar Quines Theatre Company.

The 17th CATS for 2018-2019 were announced at a ceremony hosted at Tramway (arts centre), on Sunday 9 June. The guest presenter was former Citizens Theatre Artistic Director Giles Havergal.

Best New Play: David Ireland for Ulster American[6], Traverse Theatre Company

Best Production: Ulster American[7], Traverse Theatre Company

Best Female Performance: Lucianne McEvoy (Ruth Davenport), Ulster American, Traverse Theatre Company

Best Male Performance: John Michie (Fireman), The Mack, A Play, a Pie and a Pint. [8]

Best Ensemble: Lost at Sea[9], Perth Theatre at Horsecross Arts and Morna Young

Best Director: Ian Brown[10], Lost at Sea[11], Perth Theatre at Horsecross Arts and Morna Young

Best Design: Shona Reppe (design concept), Ailsa Paterson (design realiser), Selene Cochrane (costume designer and maker) and Chris Edser (animator), for Baba Yaga, Imaginate and Windmill Theatre Company

Best Music and Sound: Claire McKenzie (music and lyrics), Scott Gilmour (music and lyrics) and Richard Thomas (additional songs), My Left Right Foot – The Musical[12], Birds of Paradise and National Theatre of Scotland

Best Technical Presentation: The End of Eddy, Untitled Projects and the Unicorn Theatre

Best Production for Children and Young People: Stick by Me, by Andy Manley and Ian Cameron, produced by Red Bridge Arts[13].

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