Theatre Actors of the London joined together at the Palace Theatre in London’s Cambridge Circus, to win the accolade of theatregoers with the Annual Whatsonstage Awards. Winners are voted for by regular theatregoer. On arrival, guests were greeted on arrival by the Olympic Drum Troupe as a tribute to Danny Boyle’s Olympic Opening Ceremony.
The Concert and Presentation was hosted by Mel Giedroyc and Rufus Hound and musical extracts from the West End stage interspersed the award of the trophies. The audience were treated to musical numbers from Gavin Lee and Kristin Beth Williams, the new members to the cast of ‘Top Hat’, singing ‘Isn’t This a Lovely Day’, Melanie C with ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ from ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ and the cast of ‘The Bodyguard’ performing ‘I Will Always Love You / I Wanna Dance with Somebody.
Winners included: Melanie Chisholm – Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, Rupert Everett – Best Actor in a Play for ‘The Judas Kiss’, Boy George for the Music of ‘Taboo’, Danielle Hope who accepted the award on behalf of ‘Les Miserables’ – Best West End Show, Ramin Karimloo – Best Takeover for his role in ‘Les Miserables’, Sheridan Smith – Best Actress in a Play for ‘Hedda Gabler’, Tim Minchin – Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, Natalie Casey – Best Supporting actress in a Play for ‘Abigail’s Party’, Imelda Staunton – Best Actress in a musical for ‘Sweeney Todd’ and Danny Boyle for the Theatre Event of the Year – The Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Overall London theatre ticket sales increased for the ninth year running, and were up by 0.27% to £529.7 million during 2012 with audiences up to 13.99 million. The Awards, which promote the relationship between theatregoers and the stars of the stage, are important for the future of the London theatre.
David Jensen Photography:
https://www.davidjensen.co.uk/
