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 [new or revival] : 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 [other than a playwright] : 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.
