Russell Beale, Spacey, Grandage Win Critics' Circle Theatre Awards

Simon Russell Beale and Kevin Spacey were among the actors taking home 2005 Critics' Circle Theatre Awards, while Billy Elliot danced away with Best Musical and Michael Grandage won the award for Best Director. The ceremony for the awards, which honor achievement in London theatre, was held on January 31st.

The ceremony was hosted by Critics' Circle chairman Charles Spencer. Founded in 1913, the organization awards accomplishment in film, music, dance, art and architecture in addition to distinction in drama.

A complete list of winners follows:

Best New Play
Harvest by Richard Bean (Royal Court Theatre)

Best Musical (new or revival)
Billy Elliot The Musical (Victoria Palace Theatre)

Best Actor
Simon Russell Beale--The Philanthropist (Donmar Warehouse Theatre)

Best Actress
Eve Best--Hedda Gabler (Almeida at the Duke of York's Theatre)

The John and Wendy Trewin Award for Best Shakespearean Performance
Kevin Spacey--Richard II (Old Vic Theatre Company, London)

Best Director
Michael Grandage--The Wild Duck (Donmar Warehouse Theatre)

Best Designer
Timothy Bird and David Farley--Sunday in the Park with George (Menier Chocolate Factory)

Most Promising Playwright
Laura Wade--Breathing Corpses and Colder Than Here (Royal Court Theatre, Soho Theatre)

The Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer (other than playwrights)
Mariah Gale--Tis Pity She's a Whore (Nevertheless Theatre Company at Southwark Playhouse)