London Theatre Awards – Hairspray wins Best Musical
** book Hairspray theatre breaks **
Here’s some good news for those of us planning theatre breaks in London. The Evening Standard London Theatre Award winners were announced last night. The awards, voted for by theatre critics, were presented by actor Richard Wilson at London’s Savoy Hotel. The panel of critics were: Nicholas de Jongh of the Evening Standard, Georgina Brown of the Mail On Sunday, Susanna Clapp of The Observer, Benedict Nightingale of The Times and Charles Spencer of the Daily Telegraph. Evening Standard editor Veronica Wadley said the awards
“recognise the huge reservoir of theatrical talent in London, in directing, writing and design and perhaps especially in acting”
The title of Best Musical Award has been changed in honour of the broadcaster, director and playwright Ned Sherrin who died recently. It was presented by Sheila Hancock,
The Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical.
Hairspray won Best Musical. As well as strong performances from Michael Ball and Mel Smith, the musical boast a great find in newcomer Leanne Jones, She plays the female lead, Tracy Turnblad, an overweight American “trailer trash” girl once played by Rickie Lake. Hairspray, which transferred to London’s Shaftesbury Theatre from Broadway. It beat strong opposition from nominees including Fiddler On The Roof and Parade.
Best Actor
Patrick Stewart has been named Best Actor for his title role in Macbeth The production of the Shakespeare play, which transferred from Chichester to London’s Gielgud Theatre, won great reviews when it opened earlier this year. Macbeth also gained Rupert Goold the Sydney Edwards award for best director. Macbeth was shortlisted in the design category, the judges said
“raised goose-pimples with its evocation of a hell’s kitchen experience”
Stewart said:
“It’s wonderful, we’re all aglow. All of us who believe the best possible theatre should be in London are thrilled.”
Goold said :
“They said it was a great year and it really is. Look at all the amazing people on the shortlist.”
Best Actress
Anne-Marie Duff, perhaps more widely known for her TV role in Shameless, won Best Actress. Her powerful performance in the title role Joan Of Arc in the National Theatre’s production of George Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan has been very well received. Nicholas de Jongh described Duff ’s performance as
“one of the greatest performances I’ve ever seen – absolutely devastating”
Best Play
In a year that showed what the judges felt was a resurgence of serious theatre on the London stage A Disappearing Number by Simon McBurney and production company Complicite, a mathematical mystery, won best play. Other nominees included Rafta, Rafta and The Reporter.
Best Design
The Best Design prize went to the Rae Smith and the Handspring Puppet Company production of War Horse, with its huge horse puppets, at the Olivier.
Other Awards
The Charles Wintour Award for Most Promising Playwright
Polly Stenham – That Face (Royal Court Upstairs)
The Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer
Stephen Wright – Dealer’s Choice/Don Juan in Soho (Menier Chocolate Factory/Donmar Warehouse)
Special Award
Stephen Tompkins for innovative theatre architecture
So there you are, a feast of serious and not so serious theatre breaks in London ideas, with something for everyone.
