It’s Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2017? Over the next few days we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 13 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2017.

• Read on for nominees for the monsta for Theatre actress of the year: 2017 2016 winner: Jade Anouka (Shakespeare Trilogy, Donmar)

1. Adelayo Adedayo (The Seagull, The Lyric, Hammersmith)

2. Janie Dee (Follies, National Theatre) Tickets Until 3/1/18

3. Natalie Dormer (Venus In Fur, Theatre Royal Haymarket)

4. Anne-Marie Duff (Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle, Wyndhams Theatre) Tickets Until 6/1/18

5. Imelda Staunton (Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?, Harold Pinter Theatre)

• Who should win? Tell us in the comments below. Want to know why we like this shortlist? Click on the tags to read our reviews. Winner revealed 30/12/17.
• Enjoyed this shortlist? Follow its author on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com and check us out on Instagram and Facebook