Critics' Circle 2015 Theatre awards winners Announced

Dom O'Hanlon
Dom O'Hanlon

The Critics' Circle Theatre Awards 2015 took place today in a lunchtime ceremony at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London. The winners were decided by the independent votes of Drama Section members, with no panel discussions, and take in the Best of London theatre throughout 2015, in both West End and subsidised venues across London.

Hosted by London Theatre's critic and Critics' Circle Drama Section Chairman Mark Shenton, awards were presented by critics from across London, including Susannah Clapp, Michael Billington and Dominic Maxwell.

The Royal Court Theatre won three awards, including those for Best New Play and Best Designer. Dame Judi Dench won the award for Best Shakespeare Performance 18 years after winning the award for Best Actress.

The winners are...

PETER HEPPLE AWARD FOR BEST MUSICAL
[new or revival]
Bend It Like Beckham
Phoenix Theatre

BEST NEW PLAY
Hangmen by Martin McDonagh
Royal Court Theatre followed by transfer to Wyndham's Theatre.

BEST DIRECTOR
Robert Icke for Oresteia
Almeida and Trafalgar Studios 1

BEST ACTRESS
Denise Gough for 'People, Places and Things'
National Theatre

BEST ACTOR
Kenneth Cranham for 'The Father'
Tricycle Theatre and Wyndham's Theatre.

BEST SHAKESPEAREAN PERFORMANCE
Judi Dench for 'The Winter's Tale'
Garrick Theatre

MOST PROMISING PLAYWRIGHT
James Fritz for 'Four Minutes Twelve Seconds'
Hampstead Theatre Downstairs

JACK TINKER AWARD FOR MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER
[other than a playwright]
David Moorst in 'Violence and Son'
Royal Court Theatre Upstairs

BEST DESIGNER
Anna Fleischle for 'Hangmen'
Royal Court Theatre followed by transfer to the Wyndham's Theatre

The Critics' Circle Awards began in 1989 and sees each member of the Drama Section independently cast their votes without discussion or influence, ensuring a highly democratic process.

Originally published on

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