It seems that Marianne Elliott’s production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company at the Gielgud Theatre, featuring a female lead for the first time, hasn’t just been a favourite with audiences. The show won in both musical categories at the 2018 Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards today: for Best Musical & Best Designer for Bunny Christie.
Hosted by Critics’ Circle Drama Section chairman Mark Shenton, the 2018 Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards were held today at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London’s West End. Marianne Elliott’s ground-breaking production of Company, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s 1970 musical comedy about life, love and marriage, with a hotly-anticipated gender-swapped story line, took home two awards – The Peter Hepple Award for Best Musical and Best Designer (Bunny Christie).
Drama Section Chair Mark Shenton said:
“Where other award ceremonies prioritise celebrity winners, see the industry rewarding itself or act as a public popularity contest, the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards alone are above the fray with their independence, judged by respected critics whose job it is to see theatre week in, week out, without fear or favour, and who have no other agenda than to celebrate excellence. Critics are invited to reward their favourite contributions to creative excellence equally across plays and musicals.”
The exclusive invited audience also enjoyed a special musical performance from Once on this Island by the British Theatre Academy.
