Photo Flash: A Look Inside the 2018 UK Theatre Awards

The UK Theatre Awards 2018 were hosted by Olivier-nominated musical theatre performer Tyrone Huntley, and presenters included Wendi Peters, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Ria Jones, Matt Cardle, Emma Williams and Michael Ellis MP.

Actor and writer Maxine Peake was honoured with an Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre award, presented by producer Conrad Lynch and the Artistic Director of Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre, Sarah Frankcom. Director Richard Eyre received the Gielgud Award for Excellence in the Dramatic Arts, presented by Ian McKellen.

Accepting the Gielgud Award, Richard Eyre said: 'I'm constantly bewildered by the fact that local authorities and government can't see what an extraordinary, unique asset theatre is [...]'. He also praised Ian McKellen, who presented the award, as 'a wonderful actor and a very good friend and the natural artistic son of John Gielgud'.

Receiving her Outstanding Contribution Award, Maxine Peake said: 'People keep saying to me, "you've given so much to regional theatre" - I haven't given anything, it's given it to me; it's allowed me to do the work I want to do, and that is mainly down to Sarah Frankcom and her bravery and her belief in me'.

Maxine Peake also revealed that Richard Eyre had been instrumental in giving her an early start in the industry, as part of the panel which gave her a scholarship to drama school.

For a full list of UK Theatre Awards 2018 winners, go to the UK Theatre website.

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith Photography