Hammersmith’s Riverside Studios has just dropped the results of the third annual Bitesize Awards — and this year’s winners are as bold, surprising, and conversation-starting as the festival itself.
The 2025 Bitesize Festival (7 July – 3 August) packed the iconic riverside venue with over 100 bite-sized shows, a short film festival, work-in-progress performances, and even an art exhibition. Theatre, comedy, cabaret, short film — all served up in quick, powerful hits, with a judging panel of industry insiders picking the best of the bunch.
And the winners are…
Best Writing – Rodney Black: Who Cares? It’s Working
Full Frontal Theatre’s provocative comedy-drama takes on cancel culture, misogyny, and freedom of speech with biting wit and unsettling edge. Written by Sadie Pearson, directed by Hen Ryan. Next stop: Edinburgh Fringe (18–25 August, Gilded Ballroom).
Best Writing (Runner-Up) – Happy Ending
A candid, uncompromising solo piece about life as a London escort, performed by Helena Harrison and written by Cameron Corcoran. Tackling sex, mental health, and stigma with honesty and heart.
Best Show – Clean Slate
Blowjobs, bleach and beef bourguignon. Louisa Marshall’s whip-smart one-woman show throws you straight into the mess of domestic burnout. At the Edinburgh Fringe all month (Summerhall).
Best Show (Runner-Up) – Are You Even Indian?
A surreal courtroom-dance-theatre mash-up, unpacking identity and belonging with Bollywood sparkle and emotional heft.
Best Comedy – Arrogant Soft
Modern South London, one games night, four friends — and the truths that explode when the rules go out the window.
Best Directing – Flush
A women’s bathroom becomes a confessional in this intoxicating night of whispered drama, bad dates, motherhood, and fleeting connections.
Technical Award – Sunland
Four friends on a Thai beach face the end of the world in this hauntingly staged, visually striking piece.
Best Solo Show – Door Bitch
Chaos, cocktails, and a crash course in nightclub survival. Written and performed by Poppy Almond.
Bitesize Short Film Festival Winners
- Storytelling Award: Now That You’re Back – a tender tale of friendship and grief.
- Visionary Story Award: Meow! – a whimsical, surreal search for a missing cat.
- Vanguard Award: The King of Forks – an epic, mysterious desert journey.
- Honourable Mention: The Steak.
Rhys Williamson, Head of Programming, sums it up:
“Bitesize was born to spotlight the freshest, boldest voices in performance – and 2025 delivered in abundance. We’re so proud to recognise these exceptional artists – and we can’t wait to see what they do next.”
