娱乐英语新闻:London theater critics give best actor award to "Sherlock" actor

LONDON, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Drama Critics' Circle in London honored actor Benedict Cumberbatch, known to international audiences for his performance as Sherlock in television's contemporary re-telling of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, with its Best Actor award on Tuesday.

Cumberbatch won the award for his performance in "Frankenstein" at the National Theater, in which he alternated the roles of the scientist Frankenstein and his monster with fellow actor Jonny Lee Miller.

Cumberbatch could not be present to accept his award, and asked his director Danny Boyle to accept it in his stead. Boyle is currently immersed in preparations for the London Olympics opening ceremony, which he is directing.

The Best Actress award went to Sheridan Smith for her performance as the wife of a wartime bomber pilot anxiously awaiting his return from a sortie in World War Two in Terence Rattigan's "Flare Path."

The chair of the Critics' Circle drama section Mark Shenton told Xinhua that the rewards reflected a depth of talent and a high level of excellence in the theater. "We have incredible talent here in terms of writing and acting. Think of the movies stars produced from Britain -- they all come from the theater; Ralph Fiennes, Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, Judi Dench."

"Everybody comes from the theater, it's where they start. For instance today's Best Actor award winner Benedict Cumberbatch, he is now on his way to a major international career in films, and Eddie Redmayne, who won Best Shakespeare Performance, he's just had a big hit in films with 'My Week With Marilyn,'" Shenton added.

He said that British theater is "extremely strong at the moment, as witnessed by the fact the Best New Play 'One Man, Two Guvnors' is about to go to Broadway."

"We have had record attendances in the West End, over the past four years attendances have built year on year. Last year over 30 million tickets were sold in the West End," he added.

However, the London Olympics in July and August is unlikely to produce a bonanza for the producers or a feast for the visitors.

The summer is traditionally the quietest time for the theater, with many potential customers on their holidays.

"I worry about the Olympics. There won't be very many shows on because promoting plays will be a challenge. Some of the long running musicals will still be running, so there will be plenty to see but new work will take a back seat. Producers will be reluctant to open things around the Olympics," said Shenton.

Other awards were dominated by National Theater productions. The Best New Play was for the comedy "One Man, Two Guvnors" by Richard Bean, which began life at the National Theater before transferring to the commercial West End.

Shenton commented on the dominance of the National Theater, "It is certainly the leading producing theater in London and probably in the world. They put out more shows than anybody else each year. The fact they have the best play and the best musical speaks volumes; these are pieces they developed themselves, they didn't hire them in."

The Best Musical award went to another National Theater production, "London Road" by Alecky Blythe and Adam Cork.

The Best Shakespearian Performance award was won by Eddie Redmayne for his performance in the title role of "Richard II" at the Donmar Theater. The previous year's Best Shakespearean performance award had gone to another king at the same theater, Derek Jacobi in the title role of "King Lear."

The National Theater was present again in the Best Director category where Mike Leigh won for his production of "Grief."

The most promising playwright award went to Tom Wells for "The Kitchen Sink" at the Bush Theater.