Sir Kenneth Branagh's Macbeth wins Manchester Theatre Awards
Sir Kenneth Branagh's visceral version of Macbeth has won three prizes at the Manchester Theatre Awards.
By Ian YoungsArts reporter, BBC News The play, part of the 2013 Manchester International Festival, was staged in an old church and featured a mud-strewn set and full-blooded battle scenes. It won best production, while Sir Kenneth won best actor and Ray Fearon best supporting actor, as Macduff. Cush Jumbo was named best actress at Friday's ceremony for her role in A Doll's House at the Royal Exchange. The awards recognise plays, musicals, opera and dance across Greater Manchester. Although Sir Kenneth did not attend the awards, he did send a personal message. "In Manchester, from the moment we pelted our dear patrons with rain, mud and blood, we felt their complete (and literal) immersion in the experience," he said. "They were not only good sports, they were the other half of the evening, and for their concentration, their support, and their reluctance to send us laundry bills, I thank them most sincerely. "Playing Shakespeare is a privilege for an actor. To do so in a great city, under the banner of a great and creative festival was a treat from start to finish. To the Manchester Theatre Awards, my great thanks. I am sincerely grateful for this award." Other winners included Oldham's Coliseum production of Chicago, which picked up two prizes: Best supporting actress for Shirley Darroch and best ensemble performance. Singin' In The Rain at the Manchester Opera House was named best musical, Opera North's Otello picked up best opera and the National Theatre's touring version of War Horse won best visiting production. Other double winners included rising playwright Alistair McDowall's Brilliant Adventures, which was at the Royal Exchange studio and won best studio production and best studio performance for actor Robert Lonsdale. Away From Home, a one-man show about a male escort who is hired by a premiership footballer, won best new play and best fringe performance for Rob Ward. The full winners: