Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was the big winner at this year’s Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards. At the ceremony held at the West End’s Prince of Wales Theatre, the JK Rowling stage plays took home three awards: Best Director for John Tiffany, Best Designer for Christine Jones and Most Promising Newcomer for Anthony Boyle, who plays Scorpius Malfoy.
Other Awards highlights included:
- Glenda Jackson won Best Shakespearean Performance for her title role in King Lear at the Old Vic, her first stage performance in 25 years
- The Old Vic also scooped Best Musical for Groundhog Day, now readying for its Broadway premiere in April. Tim Minchin’s debut musical Matilda, which was also directed by Matthew Warchus, won the same prize in 2010
- Billie Piper won Best Actress for Yerma, which returns to the Young Vic Theatre this year
- Stephen Dillane won Best Actor for Faith Healer at the Donmar Warehouse
- Best New Play went to The Flick by Annie Baker, whose new play John opens at the National Theatre this year
- Charlene James won her second Most Promising Playwright for Cuttin’ It, which also won the same honour at last year’s Evening Standard Awards
The Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards 2016 were hosted by the Critics’ Circle Drama Section Chairman (and MyTheatreMates co-founder) Mark Shenton. They were presented in association with Nyman Libson Paul Chartered Accountants, leading entertainment industry specialists, and supported by Delfont Mackintosh Theatres.
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 theatre from throughout the UK during the last calendar year.
Comedian Arthur Smith introduced proceedings with his own inimitable style, as has become a well-loved tradition. And, for the first time, the exclusive invited audience also enjoyed a sneak-peek performance from new Gary Barlow and Tim Firth musical The Girls, which is currently in previews at the West End’s Phoenix Theatre, where it officially opens on 21st February and will be eligible for next year’s awards. Today, star Joanna Riding performed “Scarborough”, accompanied by Tim Firth.
For a list of previous years’ winners, visit criticscircletheatreawards.com.
Best New Play
The Flick by Annie Baker
The National Theatre, London
The Peter Hepple Award for Best Musical [new or revival]
Groundhog Day
Old Vic, London
Best Actor
Stephen Dillane in Faith Healer
Donmar Warehouse, London
Best Actress
Billie Piper in Yerma
Young Vic, London
The Trewin Award for Best Shakespearean Performance
Glenda Jackson in King Lear
Old Vic, London
Best Director
John Tiffany for Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
Palace Theatre, London
Best Designer
Christine Jones for Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
Palace Theatre, London
Most Promising Playwright
Charlene James for Cuttin’ It
Young Vic, Royal Court & The Yard Theatres, London, Birmingham Rep & Sheffield Crucible
The Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer [other than a playwright]:
Anthony Boyle in Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
Palace Theatre, London
