'Billy Elliot' wins ten Drama Desk awards

Billy Elliot, The Musical won ten prizes at this year's Drama Desk Awards held last night at LaGuardia Concert Hall in New York's Lincoln Centre.

The adaptation of the hit movie was picked as the outstanding musical of the year and won awards for director Stephen Daldry and composer Sir Elton John.

It was also recognised for its actors, lighting, orchestration and sound design.

Other winners at the 54th annual ceremony included Shrek The Musical and The Norman Conquests, which each picked up three gongs.

Ruined won the best play award while Allison Janney was named outstanding lead actress in a musical for her role in 9 To 5.

Liza Minnelli was recognised as an "American musical theatre icon, for her enduring career of sustained excellence, and her glorious performance in Liza's At The Palace".