The Ian Charleson Awards are theatrical awards that reward the best classical stage performances in Britain by actors under age 30. The awards are named in memory of the renowned British actor

Ian Charleson Ian Charleson (11 August 1949 – 6 January 1990) was a Scottish stage and film actor. He is best known internationally for his starring role as Olympic athlete and missionary Eric Liddell in the Oscar-winning 1981 film '' Chariots of Fire''. ...

, and are run by the '' Sunday Times'' newspaper and the National Theatre. The awards were established in 1990 after Charleson's death, and have been awarded annually since then. ''Sunday Times'' theatre critic John Peter (1938–2020) initiated the creation of the awards, particularly in memory of Charleson's extraordinary Hamlet, which he had performed shortly before his death.Peter, John
"Stairway to success"
'' Sunday Times''. 20 June 2010. Recipients receive a cash prize, as do runners-up and third-place winners. The awards' current definition of a classical play is one written before 1918. The awards for the previous year's performances are presented the following year. The shortlist nominations for 2019 were announced in May 2020, but the awards ceremony was postponed due to the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identi ...

; a digital ceremony was held in March 2021 and the winner was Heledd Gwynn.Angelini, Francesca
"And the winner of the Ian Charleson awards is . . ."
''

The Sunday Times ''The Sunday Times'' is a British newspaper whose circulation makes it the largest in Britain's quality press market category. It was founded in 1821 as ''The New Observer''. It is published by Times Newspapers Ltd, a subsidiary of News UK, w ...

''. 4 April 2021. The pandemic-delayed shortlist nominations for 2020 were announced 27 March 2022; at the awards ceremony on 16 May 2022, Gloria Obianyo won first prize.

Background and description

The '' Sunday Times'' chief drama critic John Peter saw and reviewed

's extraordinary ''Hamlet'' at the National Theatre in late 1989.Rosenthal, Daniel
''The National Theatre Story''
Oberon Books, 2013. "John Peter was so moved by Charleson's 'masterful' Hamlet and Eyre's ''Guardian'' obituary of the actor, that he persuaded his editor on ''The Sunday Times'', Andrew Neill, to found the Ian Charleson Awards, in association with the National, with a £5,000 first prize for an actor under 30 for a classical performance ...." Unbeknownst to the audience, Charleson performed it during the last weeks of his life while he was seriously ill with AIDS, and died in January 1990 at the age of 40 eight weeks after his final performance. In November 1990, in memory of Charleson's fine performance, Peter established the annual Ian Charleson Award, to recognize and reward the best classical stage performance by an actor under age 30.Peter, John. "A prize fit for princes". '' Sunday Times''. 11 November 1990. The awards are jointly sponsored by ''The Sunday Times'' and the National Theatre, where they are held. Upon founding the awards, Peter noted: The first annual Ian Charleson Award was presented in January 1991."Timely tributes for a new generation of actors". '' Sunday Times''. 13 January 1991. The awards initially defined a classic play as one written prior to 1900; by the awards for 1992 this parameter had been extended to plays written by 1904, the year of Chekhov's death; Peter, John. "Ambassadors of the imagination" ''

''. 30 January 1994. this cut-off was extended to 1918 at the awards for 2008. The awards are presented at a friendly, low-key private luncheon at one of the restaurants at the National Theatre. There is no filming and no outside press, and there are no acceptance speeches; the awards are attended however by Britain's theatre royalty, who take great interest in preserving the foundations of their profession. Guests of honour have included Alec Guinness,

Paul Scofield David Paul Scofield (21 January 1922 – 19 March 2008) was a British actor. During a six-decade career, Scofield achieved the US Triple Crown of Acting, winning an Academy Award, Emmy, and Tony for his work. He won the three awards in a seve ...

, Ian McKellen, and Prince Charles."The life and legacy of theatre critic John Peter: The awards he gave us"
''

The Times ''The Times'' is a British daily national newspaper based in London. It began in 1785 under the title ''The Daily Universal Register'', adopting its current name on 1 January 1788. ''The Times'' and its sister paper '' The Sunday Times'' (f ...

''. 9 July 2020. Recipients receive a cash prize, as do runners-up and third-place winners. All shortlist nominees who are not cash-prize recipients receive a "commendation". Winners and commendees receive a plaque signed by the judges, who usually number four (a theatre critic, an actor, a casting director, and an artistic director) and until the awards for 2016 always included John Peter. The awards for the previous year's performances are presented the following year, generally in the spring. The prize money is as follows: 1st prize £5,000; 2nd prize £1,500 (sometimes £2,000 or £2,500); and 3rd prize £500.

1990s

1990

First prize

*Ian Hughes, for Torquato Tasso in '' Torquato Tasso'' (Actors Touring Company)

Second prize

Paterson Joseph Paterson D. Joseph (born 22 June 1964) is a British actor. He appeared in the Royal Shakespeare Company productions of ''King Lear'' and ''Love's Labour's Lost'' in 1990. On television he is best known for his roles in ''Casualty (TV series), Cas ...

, for Oswald in ''

King Lear ''King Lear'' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters. He becomes destitute and insane ...

'', Dumaine in '' Love's Labour's Lost'', and the Marquis de Mota in ''The Last Days of Don Juan'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)

Special commendation

* Simon Russell Beale, for Konstantin in ''

The Seagull ''The Seagull'' ( rus, Ча́йка, r=Cháyka, links=no) is a play by Russian dramatist Anton Chekhov, written in 1895 and first produced in 1896. ''The Seagull'' is generally considered to be the first of his four major plays. It dramatises th ...

'', Thersites in ''

Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...

'', and Edward II in '' Edward II'' (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Commendation

Saskia Wickham Saskia Wickham (born 14 January 1967) is an English actress best known for playing Alex Wilton in the drama series ''Boon'' and Dr. Erica Matthews in the ITV television drama series ''Peak Practice'' between 1996 and 1998. Early and personal li ...

, for Sonya in ''

Uncle Vanya ''Uncle Vanya'' ( rus, Дя́дя Ва́ня, r=Dyádya Ványa, p=ˈdʲædʲə ˈvanʲə) is a play by the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. It was first published in 1898, and was first produced in 1899 by the Moscow Art Theatre under the dir ...

'' (

Old Vic Theatre The Old Vic is a 1,000-seat, not-for-profit producing theatre in Waterloo, London, England. Established in 1818 as the Royal Coburg Theatre, and renamed in 1833 the Royal Victoria Theatre. In 1871 it was rebuilt and reopened as the Royal ...

)

1991

First prize

* Joe Dixon, for Jacques in an all-male production of '' As You Like It'' (

Cheek by Jowl Cheek by Jowl is an international theatre company founded in the United Kingdom by director Declan Donnellan and designer Nick Ormerod in 1981. Donnellan and Ormerod are Cheek by Jowl's artistic directors and together direct and design all of ...

)

Second prize

Jennifer Ehle Jennifer Anne Ehle (; born December 29, 1969) is an American actress, the daughter of English actress Rosemary Harris and American author John Ehle. She gained fame for her role as Elizabeth Bennet in the 1995 BBC miniseries '' Pride and Prejudi ...

, for Orgon's wife in ''

Tartuffe ''Tartuffe, or The Impostor, or The Hypocrite'' (; french: Tartuffe, ou l'Imposteur, ), first performed in 1664, is a theatrical comedy by Molière. The characters of Tartuffe, Elmire, and Orgon are considered among the greatest classical thea ...

'' (

Peter Hall Company Sir Peter Reginald Frederick Hall CBE (22 November 1930 11 September 2017) was an English theatre, opera and film director. His obituary in ''The Times'' declared him "the most important figure in British theatre for half a century" and on h ...

)

Special commendation

Iain Glen Iain Alan Sutherland Glen (born 24 June 1961) is a Scottish actor. Glen is best known for his roles as Dr. Alexander Isaacs/Tyrant in three films of the ''Resident Evil'' film series (2004–2016) and as Ser Jorah Mormont in the HBO fantasy t ...

, for Hamlet in ''

Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...

'' (Old Vic, Bristol)

Commendations

Adrian Lester Adrian Anthony Lester (born Anthony Harvey; 14 August 1968) is a British actor, director and writer. He is the recipient of a Laurence Olivier Award, an Evening Standard Theatre Award and a Critics' Circle Theatre Award for his work on the ...

, for Rosalind in an all-male production of '' As You Like It'' (

) *

Tom Hollander Thomas Anthony Hollander (; born 25 August 1967) is an English actor. As a child Hollander trained with the National Youth Theatre and was later involved in stage productions as a member of the Footlights and was president of the Marlowe Soc ...

, for Celia in an all-male production of '' As You Like It'' (

) *

Hugh Bonneville Hugh Richard Bonneville Williams (born 10 November 1963) is an English actor. He is best known for portraying Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, in the ITV historical drama series ''Downton Abbey''. His performance on the show earned him a no ...

(then known as Richard Bonneville), for Sir Samuel Hearty in '' The Virtuoso'', Valentine in ''

The Two Gentlemen of Verona ''The Two Gentlemen of Verona'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by some to be Shakespeare's first play, and is often seen as showing his first tentative steps in laying ...

'', Bergetto in ''

'Tis Pity She's a Whore ''Tis Pity She's a Whore'' (original spelling: ''Tis Pitty Shee's a Who'' 'ore'') is a tragedy written by John Ford. It was first performed or between 1629 and 1633, by Queen Henrietta's Men at the Cockpit Theatre. The play was first publ ...

'', and Kastril in '' The Alchemist'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) * Caroline Quentin, for Masha in ''

'' (Oxford Theatre Company)

1992

First prize

, for Witwoud in ''

The Way of the World ''The Way of the World'' is a play written by the English playwright William Congreve. It premiered in early March 1700 in the theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields in London. It is widely regarded as one of the best Restoration comedies and is stil ...

'' (

Lyric Hammersmith The Lyric Theatre, also known as the Lyric Hammersmith, is a theatre on Lyric Square, off King Street, Hammersmith, London.

)"Prized Performances". ''Sunday Times''. 21 February 1993.

Second prize

Toby Stephens Toby Stephens (born 21 April 1969) is an English actor who has appeared in films in the UK, US and India. He is known for the roles of Bond villain Gustav Graves in the 2002 James Bond film ''Die Another Day'' (for which he was nominated for th ...

, for Bertram in '' All's Well That Ends Well'' ( Swan Theatre)

Special commendation

*Ian Hughes, for Reynaldo and Fortinbras in ''

'' (

Barbican Theatre The Barbican Centre is a performing arts centre in the Barbican Estate of the City of London and the largest of its kind in Europe. The centre hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhib ...

)

Commendations

*Mabel Aitken, for Sonia in ''

'' ( Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh) *Sophie Thursfield, for Nora in ''

A Doll's House ''A Doll's House'' ( Danish and nb, Et dukkehjem; also translated as ''A Doll House'') is a three-act play written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. It premiered at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 21 December 1879, having be ...

'' (Duke of Cambridge pub theatre, London) *Nick Waring, for Konstantin in ''

'' (

Theatr Clwyd Theatr Clwyd () is a regional arts centre and producing theatre from Mold, Flintshire, in North East Wales. It opened as Theatr Clwyd in 1976, but was known between 1998 and 2015 as Clwyd Theatr Cymru, before reverting to its original name. His ...

)

1993

First prize

Emma Fielding Emma Georgina Annalies Fielding (born 07 October 1964 in Catterick, North Riding of Yorkshire) is an English actress. Biography The daughter of a British Army officer, Colonel Johnny Fielding, and Sheila Fielding, she was raised Catholic and ...

, for Agnes in ''

The School for Wives ''The School for Wives'' (french: L'école des femmes; ) is a theatrical comedy written by the seventeenth century French playwright Molière and considered by some critics to be one of his finest achievements. It was first staged at the Palai ...

'' (

Almeida Theatre The Almeida Theatre, opened in 1980, is a 325-seat producing house with an international reputation, which takes its name from the street on which it is located, off Upper Street, in the London Borough of Islington. The theatre produces a diver ...

)

Second prize

*Mark Lockyer, for Stephano in '' The Tempest'', Oswald in ''

'', and 'Gratiano in '

The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)

Third prize

* Helen McCrory, for Rose Trelawny in '' Trelawny of the 'Wells''' ( National Theatre)

Commendations

* Adrian Scarborough, for Dromio of Syracuse in ''

The Comedy of Errors ''The Comedy of Errors'' is one of William Shakespeare's early plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play. ...

'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester) *

Michael Sheen Michael Christopher Sheen OBE (born 5 February 1969) is a Welsh actor, television producer and political activist. After training at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), he worked mainly in theatre throughout the 1990s with stage rol ...

, for Perdican in '' Don't Fool With Love'' (

) * Helen Baxendale for Marie Wesener in ''The Soldiers'' (

Citizens Theatre The Citizens Theatre, in what was the Royal Princess's Theatre, is the creation of James Bridie and is based in Glasgow, Scotland as a principal producing theatre. The theatre includes a 500-seat Main Auditorium, and has also included various ...

, Glasgow)

1994

First prize

, for Coriolanus in ''

Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)

Second prize

* Anastasia Hille, for Isabella in '' Measure For Measure'' (

)

Third prize

* Jude Law, for Ion in ''

Ion An ion () is an atom or molecule with a net electrical charge. The charge of an electron is considered to be negative by convention and this charge is equal and opposite to the charge of a proton, which is considered to be positive by conve ...

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Commendations

Henry Ian Cusick Henry Ian Cusick (born 17 April 1967) is a Peruvian-Scottish actor of television, film, and theatre and a television director. He is best known for his role as Desmond Hume in the ABC television series ''Lost'', for which he received a Prim ...

, for Creon and The Messenger in '' Oedipus Rex'' (

, Glasgow) and Torquato Tasso in '' Torquato Tasso'' (

Royal Lyceum Theatre The Royal Lyceum Theatre is a 658-seat theatre in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, named after the Theatre Royal Lyceum and English Opera House, the residence at the time of legendary Shakespearean actor Henry Irving. It was built in 1883 by a ...

, Edinburgh) *

Marianne Jean-Baptiste Marianne Raigipcien Jean-Baptiste (born 26 April 1967) is an English actress. She is known for her role in the 1996 comedy-drama film '' Secrets & Lies'', for which she received acclaim and earned nominations for the Academy Award for Best Sup ...

, for Mistress Overdone and Mariana in '' Measure For Measure'' (

) *Mark Bazeley, for Lucio in '' Measure For Measure'' (

) *Guy Lankester, for Orsino in ''

Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...

'' (

Bristol Old Vic Bristol Old Vic is a British theatre company based at the Theatre Royal, Bristol. The present company was established in 1946 as an offshoot of the Old Vic in London. It is associated with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, which became a f ...

)

1995

First prize

*Lucy Whybrow, for Eleanora in ''

Easter Easter,Traditional names for the feast in English are "Easter Day", as in the '' Book of Common Prayer''; "Easter Sunday", used by James Ussher''The Whole Works of the Most Rev. James Ussher, Volume 4'') and Samuel Pepys''The Diary of Samuel ...

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)

Second prize

Victoria Hamilton Victoria Hamilton (born 5 April 1971) is an English actress. After training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Hamilton began her career in classical theatre, appearing in productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the ...

, for Hilde Wangel in '' The Master Builder'' (

)

Third prize

* Catherine Russell, for Masha in '' Three Sisters'' (

Out of Joint Out of Joint is a British and international touring theatre company based in London. It specialises in the commissioning and production of new writing, interspersed with occasional revivals and classic productions. It was founded in 1993 by direct ...

)

Commendations

Paul Bettany Paul Bettany (born 27 May 1971) is an English actor. He is mostly known for his roles as J.A.R.V.I.S. and Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently starring in the Disney+ miniseries '' WandaVision'' (2021), for which he was nominate ...

, for Strato in ''

Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) * Zubin Varla, for Romeo in '' Romeo and Juliet'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *

Rakie Ayola Rakie Olufunmilayo Ayola (born May 1968) is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television. Ayola has appeared in television shows including '' Black Mirror'', '' Noughts + Crosses'', ''Doctor Who'', ''Silent Witness'' and ''EastEn ...

, for Millamant in ''

'' (

Birmingham Rep Birmingham Repertory Theatre, commonly called Birmingham Rep or just The Rep, is a producing theatre based on Centenary Square in Birmingham, England. Founded by Barry Jackson, it is the longest-established of Britain's building-based theatre ...

) * Alexandra Gilbreath, for Regan in ''

'' ( West Yorkshire Playhouse) * John Light, for Philippe D'Aulnay in ''The Tower'' (

) *

Julian Rhind-Tutt Julian Alistair Rhind-Tutt (born 20 July 1967) is an English actor, best known for playing Dr "Mac" Macartney in the comedy television series ''Green Wing'' (2004–2006). Early life Rhind-Tutt was born in West Drayton, Middlesex, the youngest o ...

, for the Duke of Aumerle in '' Richard II'' ( National Theatre) * Benedick Bates, for Don Carlos in '' Don Carlos'' (

, Glasgow)

1996

First prize

* Alexandra Gilbreath, for Hedda in ''

Hedda Gabler ''Hedda Gabler'' () is a play written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. The world premiere was staged on 31 January 1891 at the Residenztheater in Munich. Ibsen himself was in attendance, although he remained back-stage. The play has been ca ...

'' (

English Touring Theatre English Touring Theatre (ETT) is a major touring theatre company based in London, England. History English Touring Theatre was founded in 1993 by Stephen Unwin. In 2008, the directorship of the company was taken over by Rachel Tackley, making E ...

)

Second prize

*Derbhle Crotty, for Asta in ''

Little Eyolf Little is a synonym for small size and may refer to: Arts and entertainment * ''Little'' (album), 1990 debut album of Vic Chesnutt * ''Little'' (film), 2019 American comedy film *The Littles, a series of children's novels by American author John P ...

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)

Third prize

Damian Lewis Damian Watcyn Lewis (born 11 February 1971) is an English actor, presenter and producer. He is best known for portraying U.S. Army Major Richard Winters in the HBO miniseries '' Band of Brothers'', which earned him a Golden Globe nomination ...

, for Borghejm in ''

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Special commendation

, for Tartuffe in ''

'' (

)

Commendations

*Ian Pepperell, for Hamlet in ''

'' ( Oxford Stage Company) *

Carol Starks Carol Starks is a British actress. She studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama, and landed her first role with the National Theatre in ''Sweeney Todd''. She later found wider audiences through her ongoing role in the soap opera ''Famil ...

, for Mrs. Elvsted in ''

'' (

) *Rebecca Johnson, for Lady Windermere in ''

Lady Windermere's Fan ''Lady Windermere's Fan, A Play About a Good Woman'' is a four-act comedy by Oscar Wilde, first performed on Saturday, 20 February 1892, at the St James's Theatre in London. The story concerns Lady Windermere, who suspects that her husband is ...

'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester;

Theatre Royal, Haymarket The Theatre Royal Haymarket (also known as Haymarket Theatre or the Little Theatre) is a West End theatre on Haymarket in the City of Westminster which dates back to 1720, making it the third-oldest London playhouse still in use. Samuel Foot ...

) *Scott Handy, for Ferdinand in '' The Duchess of Malfi'' (

)

1997

First prize

*Mark Bazeley, for Konstantin in ''

'' (

) (tie)Harlow, John. "Winning in a double act". ''Sunday Times''. 26 April 1998. (Online reprint

. * Dominic West, for Konstantin in ''

'' (

) (tie)

Second prize

James Dreyfus James Dreyfus (born 9 October 1968) is an English actor most notable for roles on television sitcoms '' The Thin Blue Line'' as Constable Kevin Goody, and '' Gimme Gimme Gimme'' as Tom Farrell. Dreyfus is most recently known for a role as Rever ...

, for Cassius in ''

'' (

Birmingham Repertory Theatre Birmingham Repertory Theatre, commonly called Birmingham Rep or just The Rep, is a producing theatre based on Centenary Square in Birmingham, England. Founded by Barry Jackson, it is the longest-established of Britain's building-based theatre ...

)

Special commendations

, for Henry V in '' Henry V'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *

, for Khlestakov in ''

The Government Inspector ''The Government Inspector'', also known as ''The Inspector General'' ( rus, links=no, Ревизор, Revizor, literally: "Inspector"), is a satirical play by Russian dramatist and novelist, Nikolai Gogol. Originally published in 1836, the pl ...

'' (

)

Commendations

Kate Ashfield Kate Ashfield (born 28 May 1972) is an English actress, who has appeared in stage, TV and film roles, most famously in her role as Liz in the 2004 zombie comedy ''Shaun of the Dead''. She is the co-writer of the 2017 TV series ''Born to Kill''. ...

, for Marie in ''

Woyzeck ''Woyzeck'' () is a stage play written by Georg Büchner. Büchner wrote the play between July and October 1836, yet left it incomplete at his death in February 1837. The play first appeared in 1877 in a heavily edited version by Karl Emil Fr ...

'' (

Gate Theatre The Gate Theatre is a theatre on Cavendish Row in Dublin, Ireland. It was founded in 1928. History Beginnings The Gate Theatre was founded in 1928 by Hilton Edwards and Micheál MacLiammóir with Daisy Bannard Cogley and Gearóid Ó Lochlai ...

) *Toby Cockerell, for Katherine and the Boy in '' Henry V'' (

Shakespeare's Globe Shakespeare's Globe is a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse for which William Shakespeare wrote his plays, in the London Borough of Southwark, on the south bank of the River Thames. The original theatre was built in ...

) *Dominic Curtis, for Orlando in '' As You Like It'' (

Perth Theatre Perth Theatre at 185 High Street (no longer its registered address) Perth, Scotland, opened in 1900 and was extended in the 1980s. The building is category B listed by Historic Scotland, and is operated by the charitable organisation Horsecros ...

) * Anne-Marie Duff, for Cordelia in ''

'' ( National Theatre) *

Ray Fearon Raymond Fearon is an English actor. He played garage mechanic Nathan Harding on ITV's long-running soap opera ''Coronation Street'' and voiced the centaur Firenze in the Wizarding World film series ''Harry Potter'' and '' Fantastic Beasts''. ...

, for Romeo in '' Romeo and Juliet'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *Zoe Waites, for Juliet in ''Romeo and Juliet'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *

, for Lady Brute in ''

The Provok'd Wife ''The Provoked Wife'' (1697) is the second original comedy written by John Vanbrugh. It made its first appearance in Lincoln's Inn Fields in May, 1697. The often-repeated claim that Vanbrugh wrote part of his comedy ''The Provoked Wife'' in th ...

'' (

) *

Andrew Howard Andrew Howard (born June 12, 1969, in Cardiff, Wales) is a Welsh theatre, television and film actor. Training Howard trained at Cygnet Training Theatre in Exeter in the late 1980s, touring in productions of ''A Christmas Carol'', ''Twelfth Night ...

, for Orestes in '' Electra'' (

Minerva Theatre, Chichester The Minerva Theatre is a studio theatre seating, at full capacity, 310. It is run as part of the adjacent Chichester Festival Theatre, located in Chichester, England, and was opened in 1989.Donmar Warehouse The Donmar Warehouse is a 251-seat, not-for-profit theatre in Covent Garden, London, England. It first opened on 18 July 1977. Sam Mendes, Michael Grandage and Josie Rourke have all served as artistic director, a post held since 2019 by Mi ...

) * Jason Hughes, for Pleribo, Adraste, and Prince Florilame in '' The Illusion'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester) * Julia Sawalha, for Melibea, Isabelle, and Hippolyta in '' The Illusion'' (Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester) *Paul McEneany, for Mustardseed and Flute in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' ( Lyric Theatre,

Belfast Belfast ( , ; from ga, Béal Feirste , meaning 'mouth of the sand-bank ford') is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, standing on the banks of the River Lagan on the east coast. It is the 12th-largest city in the United Kingdom ...

) *Lise Stevenson, for Isabella in ''Measure for Measure'' ( Nottingham Playhouse)

1998

First prize

Claudie Blakley Claudie Blakley (born 4 January 1974) is an English actress. She trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama. In 1998, she won the Ian Charleson Award for her performance in ''The Seagull'' at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds. She is ...

, for Nina in ''

'' ( West Yorkshire Playhouse)

Second prize

Kevin McKidd Kevin McKidd (born 9 August 1973) is a Scottish actor and television director. Before playing the role of Dr. Owen Hunt in '' Grey's Anatomy'', for which he is widely known, McKidd appeared as Tommy Mackenzie in Danny Boyle's '' Trainspotting' ...

, for Britannicus in '' Britannicus'' (

)

Third prize

* Paul Hilton, for Orlando in '' As You Like It'' (

)

Commendations

*Kathy Kiera Clarke, for Medea in ''

Medea In Greek mythology, Medea (; grc, Μήδεια, ''Mēdeia'', perhaps implying "planner / schemer") is the daughter of King Aeëtes of Colchis, a niece of Circe and the granddaughter of the sun god Helios. Medea figures in the myth of Jason an ...

'' (

, Glasgow) *

Hermione Gulliford Hermione Valentine Gulliford is an English actress, born in Somerset. She trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 1994. She has worked in the theatre, appearing in ''The Merchant of Venice'', ''Othello'', and ''A Midsumme ...

, for Olivia in ''

'' (

Crucible Theatre The Crucible Theatre (often referred to simply as "The Crucible") is a theatre in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England which opened in 1971. Although it hosts regular theatrical performances, it is best known for hosting professional snooker's ...

, Sheffield) * Thusitha Jayasundera, for Viola in ''

'' ( Young Vic) *

Susan Lynch Susan Lynch (born 5 June 1971) is a Northern Irish actress. three-times an IFTA Award winner, she also won the British Independent Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for the 2003 film ''16 Years of Alcohol''. Her other film appearances in ...

, for Katerina in '' The Storm'' (

) *

Stephen Mangan Stephen James Mangan (born 16 May 1968) is an English actor, comedian, presenter and writer. He has played Guy Secretan in ''Green Wing'', Dan Moody in ''I'm Alan Partridge'', Seán Lincoln in '' Episodes'', Bigwig in ''Watership Down'', Postm ...

, for Don Pedro in ''

Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' ( W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. 1387 The play ...

'' (

), and Sir Benjamin Backbite in '' The School for Scandal'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) * Matthew Macfadyen, for Benedick in ''

'' (

), and Charles Surface in '' The School for Scandal'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *Jo McInnes, for Sonya in ''

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *

David Oyelowo David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo ( ; born 1 April 1976) is a British actor, director and producer. His accolades include a Critics' Choice Award and two NAACP Image Awards as well as nominations for two Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards ...

, for the King in '' The Suppliants'' (

) *

Kelly Reilly Jessica Kelly Siobhán Reilly (born 18 July 1977) is an English actress. She first appeared on screen in 1995 on the series '' The Biz''. Her other television work includes starring roles in the British crime drama '' Above Suspicion'' (2009– ...

, for Peggy Riley in '' The London Cuckolds'' ( National Theatre)

1999

First prize

Rupert Penry-Jones Rupert William Penry-Jones (born 22 September 1970) is a British actor, known for his performances as Adam Carter in '' Spooks'', Clive Reader in ''Silk'', DI Joseph Chandler in ''Whitechapel'', and Mr Quinlan in the American horror series ''The ...

, for Don Carlos in '' Don Carlos'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)

Second prize

*Gabrielle Jourdan, for Jessica in ''

'' ( National Theatre)

Third prize

* Megan Dodds, for Ophelia in ''Hamlet'' ( Young Vic)

Commendations

Ariyon Bakare Ariyon Bakare () is an English actor. He has appeared in the BBC soap opera '' Doctors'' (2001–2005) as Ben Kwarme, the Amazon Prime series ''Good Omens'' and ''Carnival Row'' (2019), and the BBC series ''His Dark Materials''. Prior to this, ...

, for Florindo in '' The Servant of Two Masters'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company, Young Vic) * Emma Cunniffe, for Hilde in ''The Master Builder'' (

) * Jude Law, for Giovanni in ''

'' ( Young Vic) * Aidan McArdle, for Rodrigo in '' Othello'', and Puck in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *Patrick Moy, for Malcolm in '' Macbeth'' (

, Edinburgh) *Kirsten Parker, for Viola in ''

'' (

) * Claire Price, for Princess Eboli in '' Don Carlos'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) * Iain Robertson, for Adam/Isaac/Shepherd in ''

The Mysteries ''The Mysteries'' is a version of the medieval English mystery plays first presented at London's National Theatre in 1977. The cycle of three plays tells the story of the Bible from the creation to the last judgement. Background It is based lar ...

'' (National Theatre)

2000s

2000

First prize

, for Henry VI in '' Henry VI'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)

Second prize

* John Light, for Konstantin in ''

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Third prize

*Zoe Waites, for Vittoria in '' The White Devil'' (

Lyric Hammersmith The Lyric Theatre, also known as the Lyric Hammersmith, is a theatre on Lyric Square, off King Street, Hammersmith, London.

)

Commendations

Nancy Carroll Nancy Carroll (born Ann Veronica Lahiff; November 19, 1903 – August 6, 1965) was an American actress. She started her career in Broadway musicals and then became an actress in sound films and was in many films from 1927 to 1938. She was t ...

, for Lady Percy in '' Henry VI, Part 1'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *James O'Donnell, for Page and Ostler in '' Henry VI'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *Joe Renton, for Peto in '' Henry VI'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *

Chiwetel Ejiofor Chiwetel Umeadi Ejiofor ( ; born 10 July 1977) is a British actor. He is the recipient of various accolades, including a BAFTA Award, a Laurence Olivier Award, an NAACP Image Award, and nominations for an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awa ...

, for Romeo in '' Romeo and Juliet'' ( National Theatre) *Martin Hutson, for Silvius in ''As You Like It'' (

, Sheffield) *Molly Innes, for Electra in '' Electra'' (Theatre Babel) * Justine Waddell, for Nina in ''

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *

David Tennant David John Tennant (''né'' McDonald; born 18 April 1971) is a Scottish actor. He rose to fame for his role as the tenth incarnation of the Doctor (2005–2010 and 2013) in the BBC science-fiction TV show ''Doctor Who'', reprising the rol ...

, for Antipholus of Syracuse in ''

'' (RSC) *

Sam Troughton Sam John Troughton (born 21 March 1977) is an English actor who has made appearances in ''Robin Hood'', ''Alien vs. Predator'' (2004), as Aleksandr Akimov in ''Chernobyl'' (2019), and as Mr. Wilder in the BBC comedy series '' The Outlaws'' (2021 ...

, for Young Talbot in '' Henry VI, Part 1'' (Royal Shakespeare Company)

2001

First prize

*Claire Price, for Berinthia in ''

The Relapse ''The Relapse, or, Virtue in Danger'' is a Restoration comedy from 1696 written by John Vanbrugh. The play is a sequel to Colley Cibber's '' Love's Last Shift, or, The Fool in Fashion''. In Cibber's ''Love's Last Shift'', a free-living Rest ...

'' ( National Theatre)

Second prize

*Zoe Waites, for Viola in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)

Third prize

James D'Arcy James D'Arcy (born Simon Richard D'Arcy; 24 August 1975) is an English actor and film director. He is known for his portrayals of Howard Stark's butler, Edwin Jarvis, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe television series '' Agent Carter'' and the ...

, for Gaveston in '' Edward II'' (

, Sheffield)

Commendations

* Claire Cox, for Portia in ''

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *

Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch (born 19 July 1976) is an English actor. Known for his work on screen and stage, he has received various accolades, including a British Academy Television Award, a Primetime Emmy Award and a Laurence Oli ...

, for the King of Navarre in '' Love's Labour's Lost'' (

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is an open-air theatre in Regent's Park in central London. The theatre Established in 1932, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of the largest theatres in London (1,256 seats) and is situated in Queen Mary� ...

) * August Diehl, for Konstantin ''

'' (

Edinburgh Festival __NOTOC__ This is a list of arts and cultural festivals regularly taking place in Edinburgh, Scotland. The city has become known for its festivals since the establishment in 1947 of the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fe ...

) * John Hopkins, for Octavius in ''

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) * Johanna Wokalek, for Nina in ''

'' (

) *Martin Hutson, for Oswald in '' Ghosts'' (

Comedy Theatre The Harold Pinter Theatre, known as the Comedy Theatre until 2011,

) * Gerald Kyd, for the King of Bavarre in '' Love's Labour's Lost'' (

) *Kevin Lennon, for Giovanni in ''

'' (Theatre Babel, Glasgow) *Kirsten Parker, for the Princess in '' Love's Labour's Lost'' (

) *

, for Richmond in '' Richard III'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) * Zubin Varla, for Caliban in '' The Tempest'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *

Kaye Wragg Kaye Michelle Wragg (born 15 December 1972) is an English actress best known for her television roles as Sergeant Diane Noble in ''The Bill'', Kate Oakley in ''No Angels'', Essie Harrison (now known as Essie di Lucca) in ''Holby City'' from 20 ...

, for Sonya in ''

'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester)

2002

First prize

Rebecca Hall Rebecca Maria Hall (born 3 May 1982) is an English actress and filmmaker. She made her first onscreen appearance at age 10 in the 1992 television adaptation of '' The Camomile Lawn'', directed by her father, Sir Peter Hall. Her professional s ...

, for Vivvie in '' Mrs Warren's Profession'' ( Strand Theatre)Lathan, P
"Another Hall Hits the Heights"
''The British Theatre Guide'', April 20, 2003, retrieved November 9, 2006.

Second prize

* Daniel Evans, for Ariel in '' The Tempest'' (

, Sheffield) and Oswald in '' Ghosts'' (

)

Third prize

* Iain Robertson, for Trinculo in '' The Tempest'' (

, Sheffield)

Commendations

Nonso Anozie Nonso Anozie (; born 17 November 1978) is an English actor. He is best known for his roles as Tank in '' RocknRolla'', Sergeant Dap in ''Ender's Game'', Abraham Kenyatta in ''Zoo'', Captain of the Guards in ''Cinderella'', Xaro Xhoan Daxos in t ...

, for King Lear in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *Justin Avoth, for Demetrius in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester) *Lucy Black, for Olivia in ''

'' ( Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory, Bristol) *

, for Cordelia in ''

'' (

) *Dan Fredenburgh, for the Prince in '' The Prince of Homburg'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) * Naomi Frederick, for Irina in '' Three Sisters'' (Nuffield Theatre, Southampton) *Ryan Kiggell, for Gloucester in ''

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) * Kananu Kirimi, for Marina in ''

Pericles Pericles (; grc-gre, Περικλῆς; c. 495 – 429 BC) was a Greek politician and general during the Golden Age of Athens. He was prominent and influential in Athenian politics, particularly between the Greco-Persian Wars and the Pelo ...

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) * Claire Price, for Miranda in '' The Tempest'' (

, Sheffield) *

, for Valère in ''

'' ( National Theatre)

2003

First prize

Lisa Dillon Lisa Dillon (née Stawiarski; born 1979) is an English actress. Life and career Early life Dillon attended Bournemouth School for Girls and left in 1997. She began a degree in English Literature and Drama at Royal Holloway, University of Londo ...

, for Hilda Wangel in '' The Master Builder'' (

)

Second prize

* Louisa Clein, for Hilde in ''

The Lady from the Sea ''The Lady from the Sea'' ( no, Fruen fra havet, link=no) is a play written in 1888 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen inspired by the ballad '' Agnete og Havmanden''. The drama introduces the character of Hilde Wangel who is again portrayed ...

'' (

)

Third prize

Eve Myles Eve Myles (born 26 July 1978) is a Welsh actress. She is best known for her television roles portraying Ceri Lewis in the long-running BBC Wales drama series '' Belonging'' (2000–2009), Gwen Cooper in the BBC science-fiction series ''Torchw ...

, for Lavinia in ''

Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...

'' and Bianca in ''

The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)

Special commendations

, for Rosalind in '' As You Like It'' (

) * Felicite du Jeu, for Katherine in '' Henry V'' ( National Theatre)

Commendations

*Jamie Beamish, for Sir Thurio in '' Two Gentlemen of Verona'' (

) * Kellie Bright, for Masha in ''

'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre) *

, for Helena in ''

A Midsummer Night’s Dream ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'' is a comedy written by William Shakespeare 1595 or 1596. The play is set in Athens, and consists of several subplots that revolve around the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta. One subplot involves a conflict amon ...

'' (

, Sheffield) *

Rory Kinnear Rory Michael Kinnear (born 17 February 1978) is an English actor and playwright who has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre. In 2014, he won the Olivier Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of William Sha ...

, for Tranio in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) * Emma Lowndes, for Nina in ''

'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester) * Tobias Menzies, for Tusenbach in '' Three Sisters'' (

Playhouse Theatre The Playhouse Theatre is a West End theatre in the City of Westminster, located in Northumberland Avenue, near Trafalgar Square, central London. The Theatre was built by F. H. Fowler and Hill with a seating capacity of 1,200. It was rebuilt i ...

) *

Joseph Millson Joseph Millson (born 27 April 1974) is an English actor and singer. He trained at the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama in Sidcup, London London is the capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of Eng ...

, for Orlando in '' As You Like It'' (

) * Paul Ready, for Dromio of Syracuse in ''

'' (

) *

Steven Robertson Steven Robertson (born 1 January 1977) is a Scottish actor who stars as Detective Sandy Wilson in the BBC One adaptation of Ann Cleeves's ''Shetland'', filmed near where Robertson was born and brought up. He portrayed Michael Connelly, a young ...

, for Konstantin in ''

'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester)

2004

First prize

, for Othello in ''Othello'' (

)

Second prize

* Naomi Frederick, for Isabella in '' Measure for Measure'' ( Complicite at the National Theatre)

Third prize

Ben Whishaw Benjamin John Whishaw (born 14 October 1980) is an English actor and producer. After winning a British Independent Film Award for his performance in ''My Brother Tom'' (2001), he was nominated for an Olivier Award for his portrayal of the titl ...

, for Hamlet in ''

'' (

Old Vic Old or OLD may refer to: Places *Old, Baranya, Hungary *Old, Northamptonshire, England * Old Street station, a railway and tube station in London (station code OLD) *OLD, IATA code for Old Town Municipal Airport and Seaplane Base, Old Town, Ma ...

)

Commendations

Nikki Amuka-Bird Nikki Amuka-Bird (born 27 February 1976) is a Nigerian-born British actress of the stage, television, and film. Early life Amuka-Bird was born in Delta State, Nigeria, where her father still lives. She left there as a young child with her mo ...

, for Viola in ''

'' (

) * Elliot Cowan, for Rodrigo, Marquis of Posa in '' Don Carlos'' (

, Sheffield) *Richard Glaves, for Marchbanks in '' Candida'' ( Oxford Stage Company) * Jake Harders, for Reverend Alexander Mill in '' Candida'' (Oxford Stage Company) *Caroline Martin, for Desdemona in '' Othello'' (

) *David Nicolle, for Ion in ''

'' (

Mercury Theatre, Colchester The Mercury Theatre is a theatre in Colchester, producing highly regarded original work under the title "Mercury Productions"and also receiving touring shows. The theatre has two auditoria, and is led by Tracey Childs (Executive Producer and J ...

) *

Matthew Rhys Matthew Rhys Evans ( ; born 8 November 1974) is a Welsh actor. He is known for playing Kevin Walker in '' Brothers & Sisters'' (2006–2011) and Philip Jennings in ''The Americans'' (2013–2018), for which he received two Golden Globe Awar ...

, for Edmund in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) * Dan Stevens, for Orlando in '' As You Like It'' (

)

2005

First prize

Mariah Gale Mariah Gale (born c.1980) is a British actress of film, stage and television. Early life She was born in Australia to an Australian mother and British father, both architects. She grew up in England. She studied at Birmingham University and the G ...

, for Viola in ''

'' (

), Annabella in '' Tis Pity She's a Whore'' (

Southwark Playhouse Southwark Playhouse is a theatre in London, located between Borough and Elephant and Castle tube stations. History The Southwark Playhouse Theatre Company was founded in 1993 by Juliet Alderdice and Tom Wilson. They identified the need for a ...

), and Nurse Ludmilla and Klara in ''The Last Waltz'' ( Arcola Theatre)

Second prize

* Sinead Matthews, for Hedvig in ''

The Wild Duck ''The Wild Duck'' (original Norwegian title: ''Vildanden'') is an 1884 play by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. It is considered the first modern masterpiece in the genre of tragicomedy. ''The Wild Duck'' and ''Rosmersholm'' are "often ...

'' (

Donmar Warehouse The Donmar Warehouse is a 251-seat, not-for-profit theatre in Covent Garden, London, England. It first opened on 18 July 1977. Sam Mendes, Michael Grandage and Josie Rourke have all served as artistic director, a post held since 2019 by Mi ...

), and Dolly in '' You Never Can Tell'' (

)

Third prize

, for Tesman in ''

'' (

)

Commendations

*Peter Bramhill, for Lifter and Lady Vanity in ''

Thomas More Sir Thomas More (7 February 1478 – 6 July 1535), venerated in the Catholic Church as Saint Thomas More, was an English lawyer, judge, social philosopher, author, statesman, and noted Renaissance humanist. He also served Henry VIII as Lord ...

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) * Michelle Dockery, for Dina Dorf in '' Pillars of the Community'' ( National Theatre) * Edward Hogg, for Woyzeck in ''

'' (

) *

, for Mortimer in '' Mary Stuart'' (

) * James Loye, for Cloten in ''

Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...

'', and Sir Andrew Aguecheek in ''

'' (

) *

Lyndsey Marshal Lyndsey Marshal (born 16 June 1978) is an English actress best known for her performance in '' The Hours'', and as the recurring character Cleopatra on HBO's ''Rome'', and as Lady Sarah Hill in BBC period drama ''Garrow's Law''. Biography Mars ...

, for Toinette in '' The Hypochondriac'' (

) *Caitlin Mottram, for Helena in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) * Nicholas Shaw, for Benjamin in ''

'' ( Oxford Stage Company)

2006

First prize

* Andrea Riseborough, for Isabella in '' Measure For Measure'' and Miss Julie in ''

Miss Julie ''Miss Julie'' ( sv, Fröken Julie) is a naturalistic play written in 1888 by August Strindberg. It is set on Midsummer's Eve and the following morning, which is Midsummer and the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist. The setting is an estate of ...

'' (

)

Second prize

*Catherine Hamilton, for Jessica in ''The Madras House'' ( Orange Tree Theatre)

Third prize

* Hattie Morahan, for Nina in ''

'' ( National Theatre)

Commendations

* Bryan Dick, for Dapper in '' The Alchemist'' ( National Theatre) * Trystan Gravelle, for Young Shepherd in '' A Winter’s Tale'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *

Tom Hiddleston Thomas William Hiddleston (born 9 February 1981) is an English actor. He gained international fame portraying Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), starting with ''Thor'' in 2011 and most recently in the Disney+ series ''Loki'' in 2021 ...

, for Alsemero in '' The Changeling'' (

) *Sally Leonard, for Lipochka in ''A Family Affair'' ( Arcola Theatre) *

Laura Rees Laura Rees is a British actress from Northampton. In 2003, she played the role of Gina the record executive in Richard Curtis' blockbuster romantic comedy ''Love Actually'' (2003). Other film work includes the short ''The Dentist'', directed by ...

, for Lavinia in ''

'' (

) *Amit Shah, for Abel Drugger in '' The Alchemist'' ( National Theatre) * Lex Shrapnel, for John, Talbot’s son; Ghost of John Talbot; Henry, Earl of Richmond; and Son that killed his father in '' Henry VI'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) * Ony Uhiara, for Marina in ''

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *

Jodie Whittaker Jodie Whittaker (born 17 June 1982) is an English actress who is best known for portraying the thirteenth incarnation of the Doctor in ''Doctor Who'' (2017–2022) and as Beth Latimer in ''Broadchurch'' (2013–2017). She came to prominence ...

, for Nadya in ''Enemies'' (

)

2007

First prize

, for Pytor in ''Philistines'' and Sir Fopling Flutter in '' The Man of Mode'' ( National Theatre)

Second prize

* Michelle Dockery, for Eliza Doolittle in '' Pygmalion'' (

)

Third prize

, for Cassio in ''Othello'' (

)

Commendations

* Edward Bennett, for Dick Gurvil in ''Nan'', Victor Bretherton in '' Diana of Dobson's'' ( Orange Tree Theatre); Freddy in ''Pygmalion'' (

); and Roderigo in '' Othello'' (

) * Sam Crane, for Oswald in '' Ghosts'' (

), and Roderigo in '' Othello'' (

) *Gabriel Fleary, for Alonso in ''The Changling'' (

) * Harry Hadden-Paton, for Mercutio in '' Romeo and Juliet'' ( Battersea Arts Centre), and John Worthing in ''

The Importance of Being Earnest ''The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People'' is a play by Oscar Wilde. First performed on 14 February 1895 at the St James's Theatre in London, it is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious ...

'' (

Theatre Royal Bath The Theatre Royal in Bath, England, was built in 1805. A Grade II* listed building, it has been described by the Theatres Trust as "One of the most important surviving examples of Georgian theatre architecture". It has a capacity for an audie ...

) * Daniel Hawksford, for Claudio in ''

'' ( National Theatre) * John Heffernan, for Oswald in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *

Richard Madden Richard Madden (born 18 June 1986) is a Scottish actor. He was cast in his first role at age 11 and made his screen acting debut in 2000. He later began performing on stage whilst a student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. In 2007, he ...

, for Romeo in '' Romeo and Juliet'' (

touring) *

Carey Mulligan Carey Hannah Mulligan (born 28 May 1985) is an English actress. She has received various accolades, including a British Academy Film Award, in addition to nominations for two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. Mulli ...

, for Nina in ''

'' (

Royal Court Theatre The Royal Court Theatre, at different times known as the Court Theatre, the New Chelsea Theatre, and the Belgravia Theatre, is a non-commercial West End theatre in Sloane Square, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, England ...

) *Pippa Nixon, for Jessica in ''

'' (

) *Amy Noble, for Lily Wilson in '' Chains'' ( Orange Tree Theatre) *Claudia Renton, for Mabel Chiltern in '' An Ideal Husband'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester) *Dominic Tighe, for the Tailor and the Widow in ''

'' ( Propeller at the Watermill) *

Tom Vaughan-Lawlor Tom Vaughan-Lawlor (born 4 November 1977) is an Irish actor. He is best known in Ireland for his roles as Nigel 'Nidge' Delaney in the RTÉ One series '' Love/Hate'' (2010–2014), and is known internationally for his role as Ebony Maw in '' Av ...

, for the Dauphin in '' Henry V'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester)

2008

First prize

* Tom Burke, for Adolph in ''

Creditors A creditor or lender is a party (e.g., person, organization, company, or government) that has a claim on the services of a second party. It is a person or institution to whom money is owed. The first party, in general, has provided some property ...

'' (

)

Second prize

* Edward Bennett, for Hamlet in ''

'', and Navarre in '' Love's Labour's Lost'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)

Third prize

* John Heffernan, for Stephen Undershaft in ''

Major Barbara ''Major Barbara'' is a three-act English play by George Bernard Shaw, written and premiered in 1905 and first published in 1907. The story concerns an idealistic young woman, Barbara Undershaft, who is engaged in helping the poor as a Major in ...

'' ( National Theatre)

Special commendations

, for Ophelia in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *

, for Lvov in '' Ivanov'' ( Donmar West End at Wyndhams Theatre) * Andrea Riseborough, for Sasha in '' Ivanov'' ( Donmar West End at Wyndhams Theatre)

Commendations

*Charles Aitken, for Iago in '' Othello'' (Frantic Assembly) *David Ajala, for Reynaldo in ''

'', and Cobweb in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *

Hayley Atwell Hayley Elizabeth Atwell (born 5 April 1982) is a British and American actress. Born and raised in London, Atwell studied acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and made her stage debut in a 2005 production of James Kerr's translation ...

, for Barbara in ''

'' ( National Theatre) *Beth Cooke, for Irina in '' Three Sisters'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester) *Tom Davey, for Laertes in ''

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *Natalie Dew, for Viola in ''

'' (

) * Ryan Gage, for Flute in ''

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *Oliver Le Sueur, for Lucentio ''

'' and Laertes in ''

'' ( Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory, Bristol) *

Gwilym Lee Gwilym Lee (born 24 November 1983) is a Welsh actor. He is best known for his roles in '' Jamestown'', ''Midsomer Murders'', ''Top End Wedding'', ''The Great'', and for playing guitarist Brian May in the Queen biopic ''Bohemian Rhapsody''. Ear ...

, for the Messenger in '' Oedipus'' ( National Theatre) * Ella Smith, for Jaquenetta in '' Loves Labour's Lost'' ( Rose Theatre) * Alex Waldmann, for Sebastian in ''

'' ( Donmar West End at Wyndhams Theatre)

2009

First prize

Ruth Negga Ruth Negga ( ; born 7 January 1981) is an Ethiopian-Irish actress known for the AMC television series ''Preacher'' and the film ''Loving''. For her portrayal of Mildred Loving in the latter, Negga received several major nominations from the Ac ...

, for Aricia in ''

Phèdre ''Phèdre'' (; originally ''Phèdre et Hippolyte'') is a French dramatic tragedy in five acts written in alexandrine verse by Jean Racine, first performed in 1677 at the theatre of the Hôtel de Bourgogne in Paris. Composition and premiere Wit ...

'' ( National Theatre)

Second prize

* Max Bennett, for Claudio in '' Measure for Measure'' (

Theatre Royal, Plymouth Theatre Royal, Plymouth, is a theatre venue in Plymouth, Devon. It consists of a 1,300-seat main auditorium, The Lyric, which regularly hosts large-scale musicals, opera and ballet; a 200-seat studio, The Drum; and a 50-seat studio, The Lab. O ...

) and Frank in '' Mrs Warren's Profession'' (

Theatre Royal, Bath The Theatre Royal in Bath, England, was built in 1805. A Grade II* listed building, it has been described by the Theatres Trust as "One of the most important surviving examples of Georgian theatre architecture". It has a capacity for an audien ...

)

Third prize

*Natalie Dew, for Celia in '' As You Like It'' ( Curve Theatre)

Special commendations as previous winners

, for Celia in '' As You Like It'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *

, for Hermione in '' The Winter’s Tale'' (Bridge Project at the

)

Commendations

*Hedydd Dylan, for Eliza Doolittle in '' Pygmalion'' ( Clwyd Theatr Cymru) *

Tracy Ifeachor Tracy Ifeachor is a British television and theatre actress best known for playing the role of Aya Al-Rashid in The CW vampire series '' The Originals'' and Abigail Naismith in both parts of the ''Doctor Who'' Christmas special, " The End of T ...

, for Rosalind in '' As You Like It'' (Curve Theatre) *

Max Irons Maximilian Paul Diarmuid Irons (born 17 October 1985) is an English-Irish actor and model. He is known for his roles in films such as ''Red Riding Hood'' (2011), '' The White Queen'' (2013), '' The Host'' (2013), '' Woman in Gold'' (2014), ''Th ...

, for Max Piccolomini in ''

Wallenstein Albrecht Wenzel Eusebius von Wallenstein () (24 September 1583 – 25 February 1634), also von Waldstein ( cs, Albrecht Václav Eusebius z Valdštejna), was a Bohemian military leader and statesman who fought on the Catholic side during the Th ...

'' (

Chichester Festival Theatre Chichester Festival Theatre is a theatre and Grade II* listed building situated in Oaklands Park in the city of Chichester, West Sussex, England. Designed by Philip Powell and Hidalgo Moya, it was opened by its founder Leslie Evershed-Mart ...

) *Tunji Kasim, for Lucius and Romulus in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) * Vanessa Kirby, for Regina in '' Ghosts'' ( Octagon Theatre, Bolton) *

Keira Knightley Keira Christina Righton (; née Knightley, born 26 March 1985) is an English actress. Known for her work in both independent films and blockbusters, particularly period dramas, she has received several accolades, including nominations for ...

, for Jennifer in '' The Misanthrope'' (

Comedy Theatre The Harold Pinter Theatre, known as the Comedy Theatre until 2011,

) *

Jack Laskey Jack Laskey is an English actor best known for his theatre work and his role as DS Jakes in the ITV drama series '' Endeavour''. He is the third son of Michael Laskey, a poet. Laskey trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Telev ...

, for Orlando in '' As You Like It'' (

) * Harry Lloyd, for Oswald in '' Ghosts'' ( Arcola Theatre) * John MacMillan, for Malcolm in '' Macbeth'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre), and Rosencrantz in ''

'' ( Wyndhams Theatre) *David Ononokpono, for Orlando in '' As You Like It'' (Curve Theatre) *Henry Pettigrew, for Marcellus and Second Gravedigger in ''

'' ( Wyndhams Theatre) *

Prasanna Puwanarajah Prasanna Puwanarajah ( ta, பிரசன்னா புவனராஜா; born 1981) is an English actor, director, writer, and former junior medical doctor. Early life Puwanarajah was born at Ipswich Hospital in Suffolk to Eelam Tamil pare ...

, for Messenger in '' Thyestes'' ( Arcola Theatre) * George Rainsford, for Bertram in '' All’s Well That Ends Well'' ( National Theatre) *Sam Swainsbury, for Demetrius in ''

'', and Salerio in ''

'' ( Propeller) *Ellie Turner, for Agnes in ''

'' ( Upstairs at the Gatehouse)

2010s

2010

First prize

, for Edgar in ''

'' (

)

Second prize

* Zawe Ashton, for Salome in '' Salome'' ( Headlong Theatre)

Third prize

* Vanessa Kirby, for Isabella in ''

Women Beware Women ''Women Beware Women'' is a Jacobean tragedy written by Thomas Middleton, and first published in 1657. Date The date of authorship of the play is deeply uncertain. Scholars have estimated its origin anywhere from 1612 to 1627; 1623–24 has be ...

'' ( National Theatre), Rosalind in '' As You Like It'' ( West Yorkshire Playhouse), and Helena in ''

'' ( Octagon Theatre)

Commendations

Pippa Bennett-Warner Philippa Elaine Fanti Bennett-Warner (born 23 July 1988) is a British actress. She was nominated for an Ian Charleson Award in 2010 for her performance as Cordelia in Michael Grandage's production of ''King Lear'', and long-listed for Best Actr ...

, for Cordelia in ''

'' (

) *

Natalie Dormer Natalie Dormer (born 11 February 1982)Sweet Nothings'' ( Young Vic) * Susannah Fielding, for Petra in '' An Enemy of the People'' (

, Sheffield) *Melody Grove, for Gwendolen in ''

'' (

, Edinburgh) * Cush Jumbo, for Eliza Doolittle in '' Pygmalion'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester) * Ferdinand Kingsley, for Rosencrantz in ''

'' ( National Theatre) * James McArdle, for Malcolm in '' Macbeth'' (

), and Aleksey in '' A Month in the Country'' (

) *

Jessica Raine Jessica Raine (born Jessica Helen Lloyd; 20 May 1982) is an English actress. She is best known for her roles as Jenny Lee in the television series ''Call the Midwife'' (2012–2014) and Verity Lambert in the television film '' An Adventure in ...

, for Regina in '' Ghosts'' (

Duchess Theatre The Duchess Theatre is a West End theatre in the City of Westminster, London, located in Catherine Street near Aldwych. The theatre opened on 25 November 1929 and is one of the smallest West End theatres with a proscenium arch. It has 494 sea ...

) * Catrin Stewart, for Hilde in ''

'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester) *Joseph Timms, for John of Lancaster in '' Henry IV Parts 1 and 2'' (

) * Charity Wakefield, for Lydio Languish in ''

The Rivals ''The Rivals'' is a comedy of manners by Richard Brinsley Sheridan in five acts which was first performed at Covent Garden Theatre on 17 January 1775. The story has been updated frequently, including a 1935 musical and a 1958 episode of the T ...

'' (

) *Ashley Zhangazha, for the King of France in ''

'' (

)

2011

First prize

* Cush Jumbo, for Rosalind in '' As You Like It'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester)

Second prize

* Damien Molony, for Giovanni in ''

'' ( West Yorkshire Playhouse)

Third prize

*Jodie McNee, for Masha in ''

'' ( Arcola Theatre)

Commendations

*Hiran Abeysekera, for Valère in ''

'' (

) * Jade Anouka, for Ophelia in ''

'' (

) *Mark Arends, for Malcolm in '' Macbeth'' ( Liverpool Everyman) *

Sebastian Armesto Sebastian Felipe Xavier Fernández-Garcia Armesto (born 3 June 1982) is a British film, television and theatre actor. He is the son of the historian Felipe Fernández-Armesto. Career Television and film Armesto played Charles V, Holy Roman Emp ...

, for Wendoll in ''

A Woman Killed with Kindness A'' Woman Killed with Kindness'' is an early seventeenth-century stage play, a tragedy written by Thomas Heywood. Acted in 1603 and first published in 1607, the play has generally been considered Heywood's masterpiece, and has received the most c ...

'' ( National Theatre) * John Heffernan, for Richard II in '' Richard II'' ( Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory) *Ffion Jolly, for Luciana in ''

'' ( Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory) *

Ben Mansfield Ben Mansfield (born 29 May 1983) is an English actor, best known for playing Captain Becker in the ITV sci-fi drama '' Primeval''. Career Mansfield portrayed Captain Becker in the ITV sci-fi drama '' Primeval'', depicting the Captain of a ...

, for Sebastian in ''

'' ( National Theatre) *Sam Marks, for Friar Peter, Froth, and Gentleman 2 in '' Measure for Measure'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) * Matthew Needham, for Nero in '' Britannicus'' ( Wilton's Music Hall) * Eddie Redmayne, for Richard II in '' Richard II'' (

) *Lara Rossi, for Myrrha and Macrina in '' Emperor and Galilean'' ( National Theatre) * Sara Vickers, for Annabella in ''

'' ( West Yorkshire Playhouse)

2012

First prize

*Ashley Zhangazha, for Ross in '' Macbeth'' (

, Sheffield)

Second prize

*Amy Morgan, for Margery Pinchwife in '' The Country Wife'' ( Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester)

Third prize

*Lara Rossi, for Dol Common in '' The Alchemist'' (

Liverpool Playhouse The Liverpool Playhouse is a theatre in Williamson Square in the city of Liverpool, England. It originated in 1866 as a music hall, and in 1911 developed into a repertory theatre. As such it nurtured the early careers of many actors and actres ...

)

Commendations

* Jade Anouka, for Calpurnia, Metellus Cimber, and Pindarus in ''

'' (

) *Alys Daroy, for Yelena in '' The Wood Demon'' (Theatre Collection) *

Holly Earl Holly Earl (born 31 August 1992) is an English actress. She is best known for her role as Zoe in ''Cuckoo'', Kela in '' Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands'', Agnes in the Channel 4 TV series ''Humans'' and Nita Clements in the BBC medical dram ...

, for Bertha in '' The Father'' ( Belgrade Theatre, Coventry) *Kurt Egyiawan, for Arsace in '' Berenice'' (

) *Paapa Essiedu, for Fenton in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) * Johnny Flynn, for Viola in ''

'' ( Globe Theatre and West End) *Aysha Kala, for Maid in ''

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) * Vanessa Kirby, for Masha in '' Three Sisters'' ( Young Vic) * Simon Manyonda, for Lucius in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *Luke Norris, for The Soldier in '' Antigone'' ( National Theatre) *Ailish Symons, for Cecily in ''

'' ( Lyric Theatre, Belfast) *Ellie Turner, for Fanny Hawthorn in '' Hindle Wakes'' (

Finborough Theatre The Finborough Theatre is a fifty-seat theatre in the West Brompton area of London (part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea) under artistic director Neil McPherson. The theatre presents new British writing, as well as UK and world pr ...

)

2013

First prize

Jack Lowden Jack Andrew Lowden (born 2 June 1990) is a Scottish actor. Following a four-year stage career, his first major international onscreen success was in the 2016 BBC miniseries '' War & Peace'', which led to starring roles in feature films. Lowden s ...

, for Oswald in '' Ghosts'' (

)

Second prize

Jessie Buckley Jessie Buckley (born 28 December 1989) is an Irish actress and singer. The recipient of a Laurence Olivier Award, in addition to nominations for an Academy Award and three BAFTA Awards, she was listed at number 38 on ''The Irish Times'' list of ...

, for Miranda in '' The Tempest'' (

) and Princess Katharine in '' Henry V'' (

Noël Coward Theatre The Noël Coward Theatre, formerly known as the Albery Theatre, is a West End theatre in St. Martin's Lane in the City of Westminster, London. It opened on 12 March 1903 as the New Theatre and was built by Sir Charles Wyndham behind Wyndham's ...

)

Third prize

*Graham Butler, for Henry VI in '' Henry VI, Parts I, II & III'' (

)

Commendations

* Fisayo Akinade, for Adam, Silvius, and William in '' As You Like It'' (Transport Theatre on tour) *Elliot Barnes-Worrell, for the Groom in '' Richard II'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *Nari Blair-Mangat, for Caithness in '' Macbeth'' ( Manchester International Festival) *Gavin Fowler, for Puck in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' (

) and Florizel in ''

The Winter's Tale ''The Winter's Tale'' is a play by William Shakespeare originally published in the First Folio of 1623. Although it was grouped among the comedies, many modern editors have relabelled the play as one of Shakespeare's late romances. Some crit ...

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *Kim Hardy, for Konstantin in ''

'' (The White Bear) *Brian Markey, for Hugh in '' Mixed Marriage'' ( Lyric Theatre, Belfast) * Charlene McKenna, for Regina in '' Ghosts'' (

) *

Rose Reynolds Rose Alice Reynolds (born 21 February 1991) is a British actress and singer. She is most known for her roles as Sarah Durkin in '' Wasted'', Betty Carkeek in ''Poldark'' and Alice in '' Once Upon a Time''. Alongside these roles, she has also app ...

, for Lavinia in ''

'' (Royal Shakespeare Company) *Gemma Soul, for Rose in ''

The Recruiting Officer ''The Recruiting Officer'' is a 1706 play by the Irish writer George Farquhar, which follows the social and sexual exploits of two officers, the womanising Plume and the cowardly Brazen, in the town of Shrewsbury (the town where Farquhar himse ...

'' (

Salisbury Playhouse Salisbury Playhouse is a theatre in the English city of Salisbury, Wiltshire. It was built in 1976 and comprises the 517-seat Main House and the 149-seat Salberg, a rehearsal room and a community & education space. It is part of Arts Council En ...

) * Luke Thompson, for Lysander in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' (

) * Olivia Vinall, for Desdemona in '' Othello'' ( National Theatre)

2014

First prize

* Susannah Fielding, for Portia in ''

'' (

)"2015 Ian Charleson Awards"
'' Sunday Times''. 28 June 2015.Snow, Georgia
"Susannah Fielding wins Ian Charleson award"
'' The Stage''. 19 June 2015.

Second prize

*Tom Mothersdale, for Yasha in ''

The Cherry Orchard ''The Cherry Orchard'' (russian: Вишнёвый сад, translit=Vishnyovyi sad) is the last play by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. Written in 1903, it was first published by '' Znaniye'' (Book Two, 1904), and came out as a separate editio ...

'' ( Young Vic)

Third prize

Cynthia Erivo Cynthia Erivo (; born 8 January 1987) is an English actress, singer, and songwriter. She is the recipient of several accolades, including a Grammy Award and a Tony Award, in addition to nominations for two Academy Awards and a Primetime Emmy Awa ...

, for Poins and Earl of Douglas in ''Henry IV'' (

)

Commendations

*Stefano Braschi, for Soranzo in ''

'' ( Sam Wanamaker Playhouse,

) *Rebecca Collingwood, for Blanche in ''

Widowers' Houses ''Widowers' Houses'' (1892) was the first play by George Bernard Shaw to be staged. It premièred on 9 December 1892 at the Royalty Theatre, under the auspices of the Independent Theatre Society — a subscription club, formed to escape th ...

'' ( Orange Tree Theatre) *

Ncuti Gatwa Mizero Ncuti Gatwa ( ; born 15 October 1992) is a Rwandan-Scottish actor. He rose to prominence as Eric Effiong on the Netflix comedy-drama series ''Sex Education'' (2019–present), which earned him a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor in Te ...

, for Mercutio in '' Romeo and Juliet'' ( HOME,

Manchester Manchester () is a city in Greater Manchester, England. It had a population of 552,000 in 2021. It is bordered by the Cheshire Plain to the south, the Pennines to the north and east, and the neighbouring city of Salford to the west. The t ...

) *Emma Hall, for Phaedra, Aphrodite, and Artemis in '' Hippolytos'' (Antic Face, at The Colepit) * Jennifer Kirby, for Lady Percy in '' Henry IV Parts 1'' '' and 2'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *Daisy May, for Celia in '' As You Like It'' ( Tobacco Factory Theatre,

Bristol Bristol () is a city, ceremonial county and unitary authority in England. Situated on the River Avon, it is bordered by the ceremonial counties of Gloucestershire to the north and Somerset to the south. Bristol is the most populous city in ...

) *Frances McNamee, for Finea in '' A Lady of Little Sense'' ( Theatre Royal, Bath) *Ekow Quartey, for Hans in '' Spring Awakening'' (touring production by Headlong/ West Yorkshire Playhouse/ Nuffield Theatre) *Michael Shelford, for Willie Mossop in '' Hobson's Choice'' ( Octagon Theatre,

Bolton Bolton (, locally ) is a large town in Greater Manchester in North West England, formerly a part of Lancashire. A former mill town, Bolton has been a production centre for textiles since Flemish weavers settled in the area in the 14th ...

) * Thalissa Teixeira, for Chorus in '' Electra'' (

)

2015

First prize

* James McArdle, for Platonov in '' Platonov'' (

)Hawkins, Helen
"Next steppe to greatness"
'' Sunday Times''. 3 July 2016.Snow, Georgia
"James McArdle wins 2015 Ian Charleson award"
'' The Stage''. 24 June 2016.

Second prize

*Elliot Barnes-Worrell, for Straker in ''

Man and Superman ''Man and Superman'' is a four-act drama written by George Bernard Shaw in 1903. The series was written in response to a call for Shaw to write a play based on the Don Juan theme. ''Man and Superman'' opened at the Royal Court Theatre in London o ...

'' ( National Theatre)

Third prize

* Freddie Fox, for Romeo in '' Romeo and Juliet'' ( Sheffield Crucible)

Commendations

*Joel MacCormack, for

Orestes In Greek mythology, Orestes or Orestis (; grc-gre, Ὀρέστης ) was the son of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, and the brother of Electra. He is the subject of several Ancient Greek plays and of various myths connected with his madness an ...

in ''

The Oresteia The ''Oresteia'' ( grc, Ὀρέστεια) is a trilogy of Greek tragedies written by Aeschylus in the 5th century BCE, concerning the murder of Agamemnon by Clytemnestra, the murder of Clytemnestra by Orestes, the trial of Orestes, the end of t ...

'' (

) * Ken Nwosu, for Silvius in '' As You Like It'' ( National Theatre) *Jack Colgrave Hirst, for Clown in '' The Winter’s Tale'' (Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company at the

Garrick Theatre The Garrick Theatre is a West End theatre, located in Charing Cross Road, in the City of Westminster, named after the stage actor David Garrick. It opened in 1889 with ''The Profligate'', a play by Arthur Wing Pinero, and another Pinero play, ' ...

) *Joshua James, for Konstantin in ''

'' and Nikolai in '' Platonov'' (

) *Emily Barber, for Imogen in ''

'' (

) *Jenny Rainsford, for Miss Prue in '' Love for Love'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) * Jessica Baglow, for Marina in ''

'' (

) *Jessica Brown Findlay, for Elektra in ''

'' (

and Trafalgar Studios)

2016

First prize

*Paapa Essiedu, for Hamlet in ''

'' and Edmund in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)Hawkins, Helen
"Paapa Essiedu wins the Ian Charleson award 2016"
'' Sunday Times''. 11 June 2017.

Second prize

*Jessica Brown Findlay, for Sonya in ''

'' (

)

Third prize

* Fisayo Akinade, for Charles VII of France, The Dauphin in ''Saint Joan (play), Saint Joan'' (

)

Commendations

*James Corrigan, for Palamon in ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *Emma Curtis, for The Lady in ''Comus (Milton), Comus'' (

) *Marcus Griffiths, for Laertes in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *Felicity Huxley-Miners, for Elena Popova in ''The Bear (play), The Bear'' (The London Theatre – New Cross) *Francesca Mills, for Maria in ''

'' (

) *Marc Rhys, for Christian in ''Cyrano de Bergerac (play), Cyrano de Bergerac'' (

) *Natalie Simpson, for Cordelia in ''

'', Ophelia in ''

'', and Guideria in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *Ewan Somers, for Claudio in ''

'' (Dundee Repertory Theatre) *Marli Siu, for Hero in ''

'' (Dundee Repertory Theatre) *Joanna Vanderham, for Queen Anne in '' Richard III'' (

) *Paksie Vernon, for Sylvia Craven in ''The Philanderer'' ( Orange Tree Theatre)

2017

First prize

*Natalie Simpson, for Duchess Rosaura in ''The Cardinal (play), The Cardinal'' (

)Masso, Giverny
"Natalie Simpson wins 2017 Ian Charleson Award"
'' The Stage''. 18 May 2018

Second prize

*Tamara Lawrance, for Viola in ''

'' ( National Theatre)

Third prize

*Ellie Bamber, for Hilde in ''

'' (

)

Commendations

*Daniel Ezra, for Sebastian in ''

'' ( National Theatre) *Rebecca Lee, for Friar Laurence in '' Romeo and Juliet'' (Watermill Theatre, Newbury, Berkshire, Newbury) *James Corrigan, for Mark Antony in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *Ned Derrington, for Lysander in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' (

) *Sope Dirisu, for Coriolanus in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *Arthur Hughes, for Lucius in ''

'' ( Sheffield Crucible) *Douggie McMeekin, for Snug in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' ( Young Vic) *Hannah Morrish, for Lavinia in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)

2018

First prize

*Bally Gill, for Romeo in '' Romeo and Juliet'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)Hawkins, Helen
"And the winner of the Ian Charleson Awards is..."
''

''. 19 May 2019.

Second prize

*Hannah Morrish, for Octavia in ''Antony and Cleopatra'' ( National Theatre)

Third prize

*Luke Newberry, for Malcolm in '' Macbeth'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)

Commendations

*Daniel Burke, for Diomed in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company)Snow, Georgia
"Bally Gill wins 2018 Ian Charleson Award"
'' The Stage''. 13 May 2019. Snow, Georgia
"Tyrone Huntley among nominees for 2018 Ian Charleson Awards"
'' The Stage''. 18 March 2019."Shortlist announced for the 2018 Sunday Times/National Theatre Ian Charleson Awards"
''

''. 17 March 2019. *Heledd Gwynn, for Katharine and Dauphin in '' Henry V'' ( Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol) *Tyrone Huntley, for Lysander in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' (Watermill Theatre, Newbury, Berkshire, Newbury) *Martins Imhangbe, for Bagot and Aumerle in '' Richard II'' (

) *Toheeb Jimoh, for Demetrius in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' (

, Sheffield) *Aaron Pierre (actor), Aaron Pierre, for Cassio in '' Othello'' (

) *Ellora Torchia, for Emilia in ''Two Noble Kinsmen'' (

) *Helena Wilson, for Mariana in '' Measure for Measure'' (

)

2019

First prize

*Heledd Gwynn, for Hedda in ''

'' (Sherman Theatre, Cardiff) and Hastings and Ratcliffe in '' Richard III'' ( Headlong)Bosanquet, Theo
"Winners announced of 30th Ian Charleson awards"
''WhatsOnStage.com''. 29 March 2021.

Second prize

*Hammed Animashaun, for Bottom in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' (Bridge Theatre)

Third prize

*Ronke Adekoluejo, for Abosede in '' Three Sisters'' ( National Theatre)

Commendations

*Kitty Archer, for Mariane in ''

'' ( National Theatre)"2019 Ian Charleson awards"
''

''. 24 May 2020. *Eben Figueiredo, for Christian in ''Cyrano de Bergerac'' (Jamie Lloyd (director), Jamie Lloyd Company at the

) *Isis Hainsworth, for Hermia in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' (Bridge Theatre) *Ebony Jonelle, for Rosalind in '' As You Like It'' ( National Theatre Public Acts at the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch) *Ioanna Kimbook, for Cariola in '' The Duchess of Malfi'' (

) *Racheal Ofori, for Udo in '' Three Sisters'' ( National Theatre) *Billy Postlethwaite, for Macbeth in '' Macbeth'' (Watermill Theatre) *Ekow Quartey, for Lysander in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' (

) *Kit Young, for Lysander in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' (Bridge Theatre)

2020s

2020

First prize

*Gloria Obianyo, for Neoptolemus in Kae Tempest's ''Paradise'' ( National Theatre)

Second prize

*Aimee Lou Wood, for Sonya in ''

'' (Harold Pinter Theatre)

Third prize

*Lorn Macdonald, for Segismundo in ''Life Is a Dream'' (

, Edinburgh)

Commendations

*Jonathan Ajayi, for Laertes in ''

'' ( Young Vic) *Norah Lopez Holden, for Ophelia in ''

'' ( Young Vic) *Baker Mukasa, for Angelo in ''

'' ( Royal Shakespeare Company) *Rebekah Murrell, for Juliet in '' Romeo and Juliet'' (

) *Anna Russell-Martin, for Rosaura in ''Life Is a Dream'' (

, Edinburgh) *Josh Zaré, for Claudio in '' Measure for Measure'' (

)

Judges

1990s

1990

* John Peter – '' Sunday Times'' drama critic *Ian Brown – drama director of the Arts Council of Great Britain *Sylvia Syms – actress

1991

* John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic *Ian Brown – drama director of the Arts Council of Great Britain *Sylvia Syms – actress

1992

* John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic *Ian Brown – drama director of the Arts Council of Great Britain *Sylvia Syms – actress

1993

* John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic *Jane Lapotaire – actress *Nicholas Wright (playwright), Nicholas Wright – playwright and director

1994

*Serena Hill – National Theatre casting director *Jane Lapotaire – actress *Nicholas Wright (playwright), Nicholas Wright – National Theatre associate director * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

1995

1996

*Jane Lapotaire – actress *Serena Hill – National Theatre casting director * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

1997

*Peter Gill (playwright), Peter Gill – playwright and director *Serena Hill – National Theatre casting director * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

1998

*Penelope Wilton – actress *Peter Gill (playwright), Peter Gill – playwright and director *Wendy Spon – National Theatre deputy casting director * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

1999

''(unpublished)''

2000s

2000

*Penelope Wilton – actress *Peter Gill (playwright), Peter Gill – playwright and director *Wendy Spon – National Theatre deputy casting director * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2001

*Penelope Wilton – actress *Howard Davies (director), Howard Davies – National Theatre associate director * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2002

*Eileen Atkins – actress *Howard Davies (director), Howard Davies – National Theatre associate director *Gabrielle Dawes – National Theatre casting director *Hannah Miller – National Theatre casting director * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2003

*Lindsay Posner – director *Penny Downie – actress *Toby Whale – head of casting at the National Theatre * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2004

''(unpublished)''

2005

*Francesca Annis – actress *Lindsay Posner – director *Toby Whale – National Theatre casting director * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2006

*Francesca Annis – actress *Lindsay Posner – director *Toby Whale – National Theatre casting director * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2007

*Penny Downie – actress *Michael Grandage – director *Wendy Spon – National Theatre casting director * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2008

''(unpublished)''

2009

*Wendy Spon – National Theatre head of casting *Geraldine James – actress *Michael Grandage – director * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2010s

2010

*Geraldine James – actress *Michael Grandage – director *Alastair Coomer – National Theatre casting director * John Peter – ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2011

''(unpublished)''

2012

*Michael Grandage – director *Geraldine James – actress *Wendy Spon – National Theatre head of casting * John Peter – former ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2013

*Michael Grandage – director *Francesca Annis – actress *Wendy Spon – National Theatre head of casting * John Peter – former ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2014

*Michael Grandage – director *Francesca Annis – actress *Wendy Spon – National Theatre head of casting * John Peter – former ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2015

*Michael Grandage – director *Deborah Findlay – actress *Wendy Spon – National Theatre head of casting * John Peter – former ''Sunday Times'' drama critic

2016

*Michael Grandage – director *Deborah Findlay – actress *Wendy Spon – National Theatre head of casting

2017

*Michael Grandage – director *Deborah Findlay – actress *Wendy Spon – National Theatre head of casting

2018

*Michael Grandage – director *Deborah Findlay – actress *Wendy Spon – National Theatre head of casting *Kate Bassett – ''

'' theatre critic and literary associate at

2019

*Lyndsey Turner – director *Deborah Findlay – actress *Alastair Coomer – casting director *Kate Bassett – ''

'' theatre critic and literary associate at

2020s

2020

– actress *Ashley Zhangazha – actress *Alastair Coomer – National Theatre casting director *Kate Bassett – former theatre critic at ''

References

{{Ian Charleson Award Ian Charleson Awards, Awards established in 1990 British theatre awards Theatre acting awards Awards for classical theatre 1990 establishments in the United Kingdom Early career awards