The Awards were presented Jan. 27 in a private ceremony at London's Prince of Wales Theatre, hosted by Mark Shenton, chairman of the Critics' Circle (and Playbill's London correspondent).



Gypsy received The Peter Hepple Award for Best Musical (new or revival). The production, which starts Imelda Staunton as Madame Rose, is to begin performances at the West End's Adelphi Theatre March 28 prior to an official opening April 15.



A View from the Bridge won two awards: Mark Strong was named Best Actor for his performance as Eddie Carbone, and Ivo van Hove was named Best Director for the production. It begins performances at the West End's Wyndham's Theatre Feb. 11 prior to an official opening Feb. 16.



Other major awards went to Mike Bartlett's King Charles III (named Best Play); Helen McCrory, named Best Actress for her performance in the title role of Medea seen at the National's Olivier Theatre; and Antony Sher, who won the John and Wendy Trewin Award for Best Shakespearean Performance for playing Falstaff in the RSC's productions of Henry IV Parts I and II, seen at Stratford-upon-Avon and London's Barbican Theatre.



The Best Designer Award was presented jointly to Paul Barritt for Golem, seen at the Young Vic; and Es Devlin for The Nether (seen in a Headlong co-production at the Royal Court, and transferring to the West End's Duke of York's Theatre where it begins performances Jan. 30 prior to an official opening Feb. 23). 

There are two awards for most promising newcomers: the one for playwrights was won by Barney Norris for his play Visitors (seen at the Arcola and Bush Theatres); and the Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer (other than a Playwright), presented to Patsy Ferran for her performances in Blithe Spirit at the West End's Gielgud Theatre and Treasure Island at the National's Olivier Theatre.

The Awards were presented in association with Nyman Libson Paul Chartered Accountants, leading entertainment industry specialists; and supported by Delfont Mackintosh Theatres.