Lenny Henry, the cheeky Brummy comedian, has been nominated in the category of outstanding newcomer for a London Evening Standard theatre award. The actor has been nominated for his debut acting role in Othello which is showing in the West End of London.
Also nominated this year is Rachel Weisz, for best actress for her role in A Streetcar Named Desire.
The play Enron is the biggest nominee of the year, as it is nominated for best director, best actor, and best play. Also nominated for a variety of awards is the play Jerusalem, which has enjoyed quite a few sold-out audiences.
Both of these plays are Royal Court theatre productions which incidentally 11 of the nominations belong to this year. Mark Rylance is nominated for his work in Jerusalem and Sam West is nominated for his work in Enron. Both productions will run well into 2010.
Completing the list of nominations for best actor are Simon Russell Beale from A Winter’s Tale and Ken Stott from A View From the Bridge.
Chief theatre critic Henry Hitchings stated that this year the best actor nominations are particularly strong, and that there are many excellent actors who made the shortlist.
Winners of the awards ceremony will be announced at a lunchtime ceremony on November 23rd at the Royal Opera House.
