The Critics' Circle Theatre Awards 2010 were hosted today by its Chairman, Mark Shenton, theatre critic for the Sunday Express and daily blogger for The Stage website at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London. For the sixth year, the awards were presented in association with Nyman Libson Paul Chartered Accountants, leading entertainment industry specialists; and supported by Delfont Mackintosh Theatres and lastminute.com.
As ever, the ceremony was an informal gathering of award recipients, the drama critics, theatre practitioners, and the media, convivially coming together to celebrate the critics' personal choice of the best in theatre, from throughout the UK, during the last calendar year. In contrast with other theatre awards during this jam-packed trophy season, the Critics' Circle Theatre Award winners are always decided by the independent votes of Drama Section members, with no panel discussions or public/industry influence exerted.
THE CRITICS' CIRCLE THEATRE AWARDS 2009
WINNERS
Best New Play: Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court, London award presented to Jez Butterworth by Kate Bassett: Independent on Sunday
The Peter Hepple Award for Best Musical (new or revival): Spring Awakening Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, London, followed by transfer to Novello Theatre, London award presented to the producers of Spring Awakening by Ian Shuttleworth: Financial Times & Theatre Record
Best Actor: Mark Rylance in Jerusalem Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court, London award presented to Mark Rylance by Benedict Nightingale: The Times
The John and Wendy Trewin Award for Best Shakespearean Performance: Jude Law in Hamlet Donmar at Wyndham's Theatre, London award presented to Jude Law by Claire Allfree: London Metro
Most Promising Playwright: Alia Bano for Shades Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court, London award presented to Alia Bano by Michael Billington: The Guardian
The Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer (other than a playwright): Tom Sturridge in Punk Rock Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, London and Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester award presented to Tom Sturridge by David Benedict: Variety