Hairspray and Macbeth Win London Critics' Circle Awards

By John Nathan
January 29, 2008

The London production of Hairspray and Rupert Goold's production of Macbeth, starring Patrick Stewart, were among the winners in this year's Critics' Circle Awards.

For the best Shakespearean performance, Stewart's Macbeth shared the award with another title-role performance, Chiwetel Ejiofor's Othello. Macbeth arrives at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Feb. 12.

The ceremony was hosted by critic Charles Spencer at the Prince of Wales Theatre, which is currently host to the musical Mamma Mia!

The awards are chosen by members of the Critics' Circle's Drama Section who voted for productions staged during 2007.

The following is the full list of winners:

Best New Play
A Disappearing Number by Simon McBurney and Complicite, at The Barbican.

The Peter Hepple Award for Best Musical (New or Revived)
Hairspray, Shaftesbury Theatre

Best Actor
Charles Dance for Shadowlands, Wyndhams

Best Actress
Anne-Marie Duff in Saint Joan, National Theatre

Best Shakespearean Performance
Chiwetel Ejiofor for Othello at the Donmar and Patrick Stewart for Macbeth, Chichester and Gielgud

Best Director
Rupert Goold for Macbeth

Most Promising Playwright
Polly Stenham for That Face, Royal Court

Most Promising Newcomer (other than a playwright)
Leanne Jones in Hairspray

Best Designer
Rae Smith and Handspring Puppet Company for War Horse