The Critics' Circle Theatre Awards 2014 were hosted on Tuesday at the Prince Of Wales Theatre, London. The Young Vic's production of A View From The Bridge won two major awards including Best Director and Best Actor.

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.

WINNERS Best New Play : King Charles III by Mike Bartlett

Almeida Theatre, London, followed by transfer to Wyndham’s Theatre, London

The Peter Hepple Award for Best Musical : Gypsy

Festival Theatre, Chichester, followed by 2015 transfer to Savoy Theatre, London

Best Actor : Mark Strong in A View from the Bridge

Young Vic Theatre, London, followed by 2015 transfer to Wyndham’s Theatre, London

Best Actress : Helen McCrory in Medea

Olivier Theatre at the National, London

The John and Wendy Trewin Award for Best Shakespearean Performance : Antony Sher in Henry IV Parts I & II

Royal Shakespeare Company at Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, regional tour & Barbican Theatre, London

Best Director : Ivo van Hove for A View from the Bridge

Young Vic Theatre, London, followed by 2015 transfer to Wyndham’s Theatre, London

Best Designer (awarded jointly) : Paul Barritt for Golem

1927 at Young Vic Theatre, London

Best Designer (awarded jointly) : Es Devlin for The Nether

Headlong Theatre at Royal Court Theatre, London, followed by 2015 transfer to Duke of York’s Theatre, London

Most Promising Playwright : Barney Norris for Visitors

Up in Arms regional tour & Arcola Theatre, London, followed by transfer to Bush Theatre, London

The Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer : Patsy Ferran in Blithe Spirit and Treasure Island

Gielgud Theatre, London & Olivier Theatre at the National, London

Since the Awards’ inception in 1989 the theatre critics, consisting entirely of respected and influential working journalists, have prided themselves on offering something unique on the packed theatre awards circuit: each member of the Drama Section independently casts their vote based on personal choice, free of any discussion or industry influence, ensuring a highly democratic voting process.

The Awards were presented in association with Nyman Libson Paul Chartered Accountants, leading entertainment industry specialists; and supported by Delfont Mackintosh Theatres.