The Oscars may have just passed, but Manchester held star-studded award show of its own after the city’s most prestigious stage-stars attended the Theatre Awards at the Royal Exchange.
Big names from the industry gathered to celebrate the very best in theatre from around Greater Manchester, featuring nearly 100 nominations in 20 categories.
The ceremony was hosted by comedian and actor Justin Moorhouse, who brought life to the stage.
Nominated by a panel of experienced theatre reviewers and professionals, the Awards recognise works ranging from local theatre productions to big touring shows.
Star names like Kenneth Branagh, Maxine Peake and Alex Kingston were amongst the acting nominations.
The awards recognised a range of talent from musicals, actors, operas, ensembles, and visiting productions.
Not only were nationally recognised performances commended, but new writing, new talent, and backstage works were also given their 15 minutes of fame.
Categories included Best Newcomer, Best Production, The Stage Door Foundation Award for Excellence and many more.
Singin’ in the Rain at Palace and Opera took home while War Horse at the Lowry Theatre won Best Visiting Production.
The Special Achievement Award was presented to Chris Honer of the Library Theatre, who received a standing ovation.
Kenneth Branagh received Best Actor for Manchester International Festival’s Macbeth but was away filming for a new big screen Cinderella, while Cush Jumbo received Best Actress for her role in Doll’s House at the Royal Exchange Theatre.
The opening procedures included a rock choir and an opening speech by Chairman Kevin Bourke, who referred to the highlights of the past year on Manchester’s vibrant theatre scene.
Bourke also paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Robert Robson of the Lowry Theatre, whose name now represents the Dance Award, given to Michael Clark Company Triple Bill of the Lowry theatre.
The late Steve Brown was also commemorated, evoking a standing ovation from the audience.
And just when things couldn’t possibly get more interesting, David Morris, world champion whistler, donned the stage to impress with his extraordinary whistling prowess.
The ceremony was enjoyed by all involved with guests Tweeting their excitement throughout the day.
The Awards sends an important message that theatre is still very much alive, particularly for Greater Manchester where new talent, creativity and ideas are rife.
See below for the full list of winners:
Best Musical – Singin’ in the Rain at Palace and Opera
Best Opera – Otello Opera North at the Lowry
Best Actor in a Visiting Production – Julian Glover in Maurices’ Jubilee at Palace and Opera
Best Actress in a Visiting Production – Catherine kinsella in Rutherford and Son at the Lowry
Best Design – The Old Woman at Palace and Opera
Best Actor in Supporting Role – Ray Fearon in Macbeth at Manchester International Festival
Best Actress in Supporting Role – Shirley Darroch in Chicago at Oldham Coliseum
Best Studio Performance – Robert Lonsdale in Brilliant Adventures at Royal Exchange Theatre Studio
Best Visiting Production – War Horse at the Lowry
Best Ensemble – Chicago at Oldham Coliseum
Best Fringe Production – Brilliant Adventures at Royal Exchange Theatre
Best Studio Production – Brilliant Adventures at Royal Exchange Theatre
Best Special Entertainment – Dick Whittington at Palace and Opera
Best New Play – Away From Home at 24:7 Theatre Festival
Writers of Best New Play – Away From Home – Rob Ward and Martin Jameson
Best Newcomer – Freya Sutton in Hairspray at the Lowry
Stage Door Foundation Award for Excellence – Lip Service
Best Fringe Performance – Rob Ward in Away From Home at 24:7 Theatre Festival
Best Actor – Kenneth Branagh in Macbeth at Manchester International Festival
Best Actress – Cush jumbo in A Doll’s House at Royal Exchange Theatre
Best Production – Macbeth at Manchester International Festival
Special Achievement Award – Chris Honer at the Library Theatre
Image courtesy of Manuel Harlan via Royal Exchange, with thanks.
