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Benedict Cumberbatch’s Hamlet takes quartet at WhatsOnStage awards Benedict Cumberbatch’s Hamlet takes quartet at WhatsOnStage awards Benedict Cumberbatch’s Hamlet takes quartet at WhatsOnStage awards
(35 minutes later)
It was not universally adored by critics, but Benedict Cumberbatch’s Hamlet clearly had popular appeal, winning four prizes at the only theatre awards voted for entirely by the public.It was not universally adored by critics, but Benedict Cumberbatch’s Hamlet clearly had popular appeal, winning four prizes at the only theatre awards voted for entirely by the public.
He was named best actor in a play at the 16th WhatsOnStage awards while the sold-out run at the Barbican also won for best play revival, best set design and best lighting design.He was named best actor in a play at the 16th WhatsOnStage awards while the sold-out run at the Barbican also won for best play revival, best set design and best lighting design.
The Cumberbatch Hamlet generated unprecedented levels of fan frenzy and hysteria although the reviews were not quite so good.The Cumberbatch Hamlet generated unprecedented levels of fan frenzy and hysteria although the reviews were not quite so good.
The Guardian’s Michael Billington, offering two stars, called it an “anticlimax” and said the 39-year-old actor may have given more “if he were not imprisoned by a dismal production that elevates visual effects above narrative coherence and exploration of character”.The Guardian’s Michael Billington, offering two stars, called it an “anticlimax” and said the 39-year-old actor may have given more “if he were not imprisoned by a dismal production that elevates visual effects above narrative coherence and exploration of character”.
The Daily Mail’s Quentin Letts praised Cumberbatch as “a fine Hamlet in a patchy, occasionally puerile production”.The Daily Mail’s Quentin Letts praised Cumberbatch as “a fine Hamlet in a patchy, occasionally puerile production”.
The play’s four awards on Sunday were matched in number by Gypsy, which won its star, Imelda Staunton, best actress in a musical, Laura Pulver, best supporting actress in a musical, plus best musical revival and best direction.The play’s four awards on Sunday were matched in number by Gypsy, which won its star, Imelda Staunton, best actress in a musical, Laura Pulver, best supporting actress in a musical, plus best musical revival and best direction.
Nicole Kidman added to her Evening Standard theatre award by winning best actress in a play for her role as the DNA scientist Rosalind Franklin in Photograph 51, which also won best new play.Nicole Kidman added to her Evening Standard theatre award by winning best actress in a play for her role as the DNA scientist Rosalind Franklin in Photograph 51, which also won best new play.
Cyndi Lauper’s musical Kinky Boots took best new musical, best new choreography and best actor for the former Voice contestant Matt Henry as drag queen Lola.Cyndi Lauper’s musical Kinky Boots took best new musical, best new choreography and best actor for the former Voice contestant Matt Henry as drag queen Lola.
In the other acting categories Mark Gatiss received best supporting actor in a play for the second year, this time in Three Days in the Country. Dame Judi Dench won best supporting actress for Paulina in The Winter’s Tale; and David Bedella won best supporting actor in a musical for In The Heights.In the other acting categories Mark Gatiss received best supporting actor in a play for the second year, this time in Three Days in the Country. Dame Judi Dench won best supporting actress for Paulina in The Winter’s Tale; and David Bedella won best supporting actor in a musical for In The Heights.
Mary Poppins won best regional production, Les Misérables won best West End show and Carrie the Musical at Southwark playhouse won best off-West |End show.Mary Poppins won best regional production, Les Misérables won best West End show and Carrie the Musical at Southwark playhouse won best off-West |End show.
The ceremony at the Prince of Wales theatre also included a special award, the Equity award for services to theatre, which went to Kenneth Branagh.The ceremony at the Prince of Wales theatre also included a special award, the Equity award for services to theatre, which went to Kenneth Branagh.