Women triumph at theatre awards
JODIE Comer led a host of female stars who have scooped top gongs at the WhatsOnStage Awards in its first year with genderneutral acting categories.
The Killing Eve actress, 29, won the best performer in a play award for her role as Tessa in Prima Facie, a one-person production by Suzie Miller.
She fought off tough competition from David Tennant, Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey, The Big Short’s Rafe Spall, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Mei Mac to claim the prize.
After receiving critical acclaim for her West End debut at the Harold Pinter Theatre, Comer will now be taking the play to Broadway this spring.
The award ceremony, held yesterday at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London’s West End, also saw Gwyneth Keyworth take home the best supporting performer in a play award for her portrayal of Scout Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird at the Gielgud Theatre.
Continuing the night of female triumph, Courtney Bowman picked up the best performer in a musical award for her role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, while Lauren Drew won the best supporting performer in a musical prize for her role as Brooke in the show.
Heartstopper’s Joe Locke also scored the best professional debut gong for his performance in The Trials and Lucie Jones won best takeover for her turn as Elphaba in Wicked.
The big winner of the night was the enchanting My Neighbour Totoro, with five wins from nine nominations – including best direction for Phelim McDermott.
The best new musical award went to Bonnie & Clyde the Musical while Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! won best musical revival.