Carrie Dunn’s Theatre Awards: 2009
Published on Tuesday 22nd December, 9.40am, Written by Carrie Dunn
Instead of this infernal business of nominating people in categories, I’d like to mark the end of 2009 by giving awards to the individuals and shows that are most deserving of recognition, regardless of whether they’re new to the West End or creating a part.
I’ve concentrated on musicals here, and this is by no means a comprehensive list – there are hundreds of actors I have loved watching on stage this year, and I am so grateful to every one of them for all their work. However, do feel free to comment and tell me that I’ve missed out somebody amazing who deserves being singled out for their wondrousness. Here, then, is part one:
The Individuals
Daniel Boys. I genuinely and truly believe that he is one of the most gifted and talented musical comedy performers of his generation, and whatever other criticisms that may be levelled at Andrew Lloyd-Webber, everyone who loves West End musical theatre owes him a debt of gratitude for bringing Daniel to prominence.
Douglas Hodge. He deserves that Olivier Award a hundred times over for his portrayal of Zaza in La Cage Aux Folles, and it’s wonderful that he’s had the chance to come back and close the show before taking it over to Broadway. Also, I admire him for his honesty that he wouldn’t dream of discarding the corset he wears under his gowns simply for reasons of vanity.
Josefina Gabrielle. The woman who once upon a time had the best job in the world, she made Irene Molloy a fascinating supporting character in Hello, Dolly!, when she could easily just fade into the background against the more compelling personality of the irrepressible matchmaker. Instead, her luminescent beauty and knack for comedy (as well as her lovely voice and dancing ability) plus the chemistry with her love interest made the secondary narrative much more watchable and believable than that of our hero and heroine.
Sheridan Smith. OK, she’s only been in Legally Blonde the Musical for a month so far, but my plan is that if we ply her with enough accolades, she might just stay in Theatreland and do musicals forever rather than wasting her talent in rubbish unfunny BBC Three sitcoms. Seriously — did you SEE the latest musical episode of Two Pints? It was worse than Too Close To The Sun. And had significantly fewer laughs.
And speaking of Too Close To The Sun, will it be in with a shout for next week’s batch of my awards, which will concentrate on 2009′s finest and most memorable shows? Check back then to find out…
Where is my mention?