About the Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland

The Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland—often referred to simply as CATS—have celebrated excellence in Scottish theatre since their inception in 2003. The awards are decided by professional theatre critics who review for Scotland’s top newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. Their collective goal is to shine a spotlight on the innovation, artistry, and passion driving theatre in Scotland each year.

The 2024 CATS Ceremony

The 2024 ceremony took place in June 2024 at the renowned Tron Theatre in Glasgow. Theatre professionals and enthusiasts gathered from across the country for a night celebrating the finest productions, performances, and behind-the-scenes talents. If you missed the live event, check local theatre listings or the Tron Theatre’s website for any encore screenings, highlights, or published photo galleries.

The 2024 Winners & Nominees

Below is a summary of the 2024 winners in each category. For the full list of nominees and official announcements, please visit the CATS 2024 Winners Page (link will go live once officially posted).

Best Production

  • Winner: The Dawn Chorus (Produced by National Theatre of Scotland)

  • Nominees:

    • Endless Horizon (Dundee Rep)

    • The Gloaming (Traverse Theatre)

    • Three Moons Over Tulloch (Pitlochry Festival Theatre)

Best Director

  • Winner: Avery MacDonald for The Dawn Chorus

  • Nominees:

    • Amara Thomson for Endless Horizon

    • Ethan Li for Short Stories Under a Full Moon (Royal Lyceum)

    • Carla Henderson for Boundless (Citizens Theatre)

Best Ensemble

  • Winner: Dundee Rep Ensemble for Endless Horizon

  • Nominees:

    • The Citizens Theatre Company for Boundless

    • The Tron Company for The Lights of Alba

    • The Traverse Theatre Company for The Gloaming

Best Female Performance

  • Winner: Elspeth Cummings as Ailsa in The Gloaming

  • Nominees:

    • Niamh MacKenzie for Boundless

    • Sara Anderson for The Dawn Chorus

    • Heather Drummond for A Long Way Home (Oran Mor)

Best Male Performance

  • Winner: Ronan McLeod as Adam in Three Moons Over Tulloch

  • Nominees:

    • Kieran Hegarty for The Lights of Alba

    • Victor Shaw for Endless Horizon

    • Shon Palmer for A Life in Music (Eden Court)

Best New Play

  • Winner: A Long Way Home by Alana Collins (A Play, A Pie and A Pint)

  • Nominees:

    • Boundless by Carla Henderson

    • Three Moons Over Tulloch by Matt Whyte

    • Silent Wings by Bernadette Sykes

Best Production for Children and Young People

  • Winner: Little Bird, Big Journey (Catherine Wheels Theatre Company)

  • Nominees:

    • Bright Sparks (Visible Fictions)

    • Tartan Tales (Scottish Youth Theatre)

    • Snow & Sunflowers (Magnetic North)

Best Design

  • Winner: Fiona Brown & Hamish Ritchie for Set & Lighting in The Dawn Chorus

  • Nominees:

    • Isla MacDuff (Costume) for Endless Horizon

    • James Yeung (Projection) for The Lights of Alba

    • Cherry Samson (Set & Props) for The Gloaming

Best Music & Sound

  • Winner: Calum Fraser for Original Score in The Dawn Chorus

  • Nominees:

    • Talia Flynn for Endless Horizon

    • The Sound Team at Dundee Rep for Short Stories Under a Full Moon

    • Finlay Morven for A Life in Music

Highlights from the Night

  • Emotional Speeches: The winners delivered heartfelt thank-yous to their castmates, crews, and supportive audiences.

  • Breakthrough Talent: A Long Way Home by Alana Collins took home Best New Play, marking a significant moment for the emerging playwright.

  • Dominating Production: The Dawn Chorus led the night with four awards (Best Production, Best Director, Best Design, and Best Music & Sound).

Why the CATS Matter

  • Celebrating Excellence: These awards champion the creativity and dedication of Scotland’s theatre-makers.

  • Shaping Careers: Recognition at CATS can open doors for actors, directors, and playwrights—spurring new funding and audience interest.

  • Nationwide Impact: From major urban centres to smaller local venues, the CATS reflect the diversity and strength of Scottish theatre as a whole.