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Alison Brinkworth's View
It's good to see that despite cuts to
arts budgets and difficult times financially, theatres are striving with
new, exciting plays and dance productions and these innovative
performances are what have stood out for me in 2015.
Before I list those that shone above all others,
it's worth noting that plenty of old favourites are still going strong
too. At Birmingham Hippodrome, Jesus Christ Superstar proved it could
still pack a punch while Birmingham Royal Ballet's classics The
Nutcracker and Carmina burana got another turn to dazzle to coincide
with the company's 25th anniversary.
Best Play - Oppenheimer by the
Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) at Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.
An intelligent, spellbinding new play written by Tom Morton-Smith about
the creator of the atom bomb. Strong characters, a clever set used as a
chalkboard and emotional scenes made this the standout play of the year.
Best Comedy - East Is East at
New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.
A new national tour of this play, based on the popular film, was
refreshingly funny and touching with a strong cast including Jane
Horrocks.
Best Musical - Top Hat at Birmingham
Hippodrome -
I got totally swept away into this dreamy, feel-good Hollywood classic
musical made famous by Fred and Ginger. Created in 2011,
this musical production went on tour and kept the essence of the
original with huge dance routines, costumes and sets plus an extremely
talented cast.
Best Opera - Welsh National
Opera's Sweeney Todd at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Sweeney Todd got a modern day makeover into Margaret Thatcher's 1980s
with this new, exciting version by the Welsh National Opera. Witty, gory
and with a wonderfully harmonic soundtrack.
Top Hat which took the best musical award
Best Dance - The Little Match
Girl at DanceXchange Birmingham.
Arthur Pita's Little Match Girl returned due to popularity this year and
despite using only a small cast and simple set, it is charming and
innovative from start to finish. Imaginative choreography makes this a
memorable must-see performance.
Best Set - The Curious Incident
Of The Dog In The Night-time at Wolverhampton Grand and Birmingham
Hippodrome.
Following the antics of a teenager with autism, this award-winning
production features a fully electrified stage to bring to life the way
the main character sees the world.
Best Actor - Kenneth Cranham in
The Father at Malvern Theatres.
Cranham excelled as a man being consumed by dementia in this
uncompromising and astonishing play by Florian Zeller. The play
continues its tour to Birmingham Rep in May 2016.
Best Actress - Annette
McLaughlin in Volpone by the RSC at Swan Theatre, Stratford upon Avon.
Playing the atrocious, pouting reality star Lady Politic Would-Be in
Volpone, McLaughlin excelled in this comic role to steal the show, even
alongside the likes of excellent multi-award-winning actor Henry Goodman
in the title role.
Most surprising performance of the year -
Craig Revel Horwood in Annie at Birmingham Hippodrome.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge was surprisingly light-footed and
totally absorbed himself into the role of mean Miss Hannigan.
Actor to watch out for - Alex
Hassell from Henry IV Parts I & II and Henry V RSC plays.
Alex Hassell completed the string of RSC plays as prince Hal and then
King Henry V in these history plays. His obvious camaraderie with Antony
Sher (as Falstaff) was key to the plays' success as was his stage
presence. A real talent
Actress to watch out for -
Melissa James from The Bodyguard at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Despite playing the minor role of Nicki - sister to the lead role of
Rachel in The Bodyguard - Melissa James stood out as she performed some
of Whitney Houston's hardest to sing hits. The stunning actress can sing
and act and left the lead Alexandra Burke in the shade.
Roger Clarke's Awards
Gary Longden's Awards
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