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Stuff the critics...audiences pick their own stars
Louise Jury16 Feb 2009
David Tennant and Kenneth Branagh, snubbed by the judges of the Olivier awards, were acclaimed theatrical heroes today in the only stage awards judged by the public.
Tennant's return to the stage in Hamlet was named theatre event of the year in the ninth annual Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Awards.
The play, which started in Stratford-upon-Avon, was also named best regional production.
Branagh was named best actor for the title role in the Donmar's West End production of Ivanov.
Josh Hartnett was named London newcomer of the year for Rain Man.
Branagh, who is working abroad, sent a message of thanks. "Thank you, London theatregoers, for greeting our work with such full-blooded generosity," he said.
The awards were presented at the Prince of Wales Theatre last night hosted by Gavin and Stacey star James Corden with Sheridan Smith from Two Pints of Lager.
In a list strikingly different from that of critics and theatre producers, some hitherto overlooked performances won through.
Katy Stephens was best actress in a play for her roles in the RSC's Histories cycle at the Roundhouse. Sophie Thompson, younger sister of Emma, was best supporting actress for The Female of the Species.
Rising star Tom Hiddleston was best supporting actor for two Donmar productions - Othello and Ivanov.
Othello won best Shakespearean production in a year of strong Shakespeare, directed by Michael Grandage who was named best director.
Jersey Boys won best new musical and the best musical revival was West Side Story at Sadler's Wells.
The best production outside the West End was Come Dancing, written by Ray Davies of The Kinks for the Theatre Royal, Stratford East.
Best solo performance went to Eddie Izzard for his return to stand-up.
Reader views (2)
Congratulations to Ray Davies and the entire wondeful cast of the brilliant musical " COME DANCING ' for winning the best off West End Musical. Next stop is the West End, and hopefully here in NYC where it rightfully belongs!
- Frank Lima, Montvale,New Jersey USA, 17/02/2009 14:12
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Would the RSCs 8 Play History Cycle have won 'Theatre Event of the Year' if David Tennant had appeared in it?
- Gwaddilove, london,ENGLAND, 16/02/2009 12:34
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