29th June, 2023
7th March, 2019
On the evening of Sunday 3 March, The 19th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards Ceremony took place during which Central graduates were recognised and celebrated for their contribution, both on and off stage, to British theatre.
Central’s President and alumnus, Michael Grandage (Stage 1984), received The Equity Award for Services to Theatre, which was presented to him by Aidan Turner, in recognition of his work on stage and to fostering new theatre talent. Over the past year, Michael has directed West End revivals of John Logan’s Tony Award-winning play Red and Martin McDonagh’s The Lieutenant of Inishmore, as well as the Broadway production of Disney’s Frozen. He also continues to support young theatre makers and theatre audiences of the future through his charity MGCfutures.
Vanessa Redgrave (Stage 1957) won Best Supporting Actress in a Play for her performance in The Inheritance, which was produced by Sonia Friedman (Tech 1985), and also went on to win Best New Play.
Hamilton, produced by Sir Cameron Mackintosh (Tech 1965) won five awards, including Best Choreography, Best Costume and Best Lighting Design.
In addition to the above, a number of productions including Central graduates, both in the cast and creative teams, also won awards.
Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Vanessa Redgrave (Stage 1957) for The Inheritance
Best New Play: The Inheritance – produced by Sonia Friedman (Tech 1985) and including performance from Vanessa Redrave (Stage 1957)
Best Play Revival: The Madness of King George III – including performance from Sara Powell (Stage 1992), voice from Hazel Holder (MA Voice Studies) and sound design from Tom Gibbons (BA (Hons) Theatre Practice 2008)
Best Musical Revival: Little Shop of Horrors – including performance from Julian Hoult (BA (Hons) Acting Musical Theatre 2011)
Best Regional Production: Six the Musical – including lighting design from Tim Deiling (BA (Hons) Theatre Practice 2009)
Best West End Show: Les Misérables – produced by Sir Cameron Mackintosh (Tech 1965)
The Equity Award for Services to Theatre: Michael Grandage (Stage 1984)
The WhatsOnStage Awards are the only major theatre awards voted across all categories by audiences. Read the full list of winners.
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