It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2023? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 16 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2023.

• Read on for the nominees for the monsta for Best New Play of 2023 Previous winners 2022 Tom, Dick and Harry 2021 2.22 A Ghost Story Tickets Review 2020: Death Of England and Death Of England: Delroy, 2019: Appropriate, 2018: The Inheritance, 2017: The Ferryman, 2016: Oddshaped Balls, 2015: Temple

1. Dear England, National Theatre and Prince Edward Theatre Review Tickets

2. Feeling Afraid, As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen, Bush Theatre Review Tickets

3. For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, Apollo Theatre and Garrick Theatre Review and Tickets

4. The Motive And The Cue, National Theatre and Noel Coward Theatre Review Tickets

5. The Unfriend, Criterion and Wyndham’s Theatre Review Tickets

• Who should win? Tell us in the comments below or email us at neildurham3@gmail.com. Winner revealed on this site on 30/12/23
• Vote for best podcast, best venue , best TV/film actress, best TV/film actor, best supporting actor, best TV, best gig , best album, best new musical, best new play, best performance of a song, best song, best theatre actor, best revival best theatre actress
• Enjoyed this shortlist? Follow its author on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com and check us out on Instagram and Facebook