Showbiz
Billy Elliot named 'best musical' at theatre awards
Published Monday, Nov 28 2005, 19:24 GMT | By Miriam Zendle
The stage version of Billy Elliot has just been named the 'best musical' at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards.
Theatre critic Nicholas de Jongh said that the staging of the production showed the "remarkable resurgence" and "vitality" of the West End. Composer Elton John was on hand at the awards ceremony to see Billy Elliot beat the much-lauded Mary Poppins for the prize.
Other winners included Harriet Walter's 'best actress' for her role in Mary Stuart and Simon Russell Beale as 'best actor' for The Philanthropist. Best play went to Brian Friel's The Home Place and best director to Michael Grandage for Don Carlos.
The Royal Court was also given a special award for the "exceptional contribution" that it has made to British theatre.
Theatre critic Nicholas de Jongh said that the staging of the production showed the "remarkable resurgence" and "vitality" of the West End. Composer Elton John was on hand at the awards ceremony to see Billy Elliot beat the much-lauded Mary Poppins for the prize.
Other winners included Harriet Walter's 'best actress' for her role in Mary Stuart and Simon Russell Beale as 'best actor' for The Philanthropist. Best play went to Brian Friel's The Home Place and best director to Michael Grandage for Don Carlos.
The Royal Court was also given a special award for the "exceptional contribution" that it has made to British theatre.
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