Veteran actor Brendan Gleeson has been honored with the Best Actor award at the prestigious Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards. This significant recognition celebrates his compelling West End debut in Conor McPherson’s evocative pub drama, *The Weir*.
Gleeson’s victory came against a strong field of nominees, including Bryan Cranston and Paapa Essiedu, both acknowledged for their performances in *All My Sons*. Also contending were James Hameed and Arti Shah, the talented duo who collectively embody Paddington in the new musical adaptation of Michael Bond’s beloved bear stories.
Despite its critical acclaim, *The Weir*, also directed by McPherson, was notably absent from this year’s Olivier Award nominations. However, the play is slated for a film adaptation, with Gleeson and the original West End cast expected to reprise their roles.
Meanwhile, Arthur Miller’s 1946 classic, *All My Sons*, presented in a critically adored production at Wyndham’s Theatre, garnered two Critics’ Circle awards: Best Revival of a Play or Musical, and Best Director for Ivo van Hove.
Other notable honorees included Rosamund Pike, and Hayley Atwell, who triumphed over her *Much Ado About Nothing* co-star Tom Hiddleston for the Best Shakespearean Performance award.
Furthermore, a new staging of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s *Into the Woods*, directed by Jordan Fein at the Bridge Theatre, also secured a pair of honors: Best Designer (awarded to Tom Scutt) and the inaugural prize for Best Ensemble or Cast.