WhatsOnStage awards: Hamlet and Gypsy share honours

A London production of Hamlet, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, and a West End revival of Gypsy have shared the spoils at the WhatsOnStage theatre awards, the BBC reports.

Cumberbatch won best actor in a play at the awards, decided by a public vote, while the Barbican production picked up three other awards.

Gypsy picked up four awards, including best actress in a musical for Imelda Staunton.

Nicole Kidman was named best actress in a play for her role in Photograph 51.

The Oscar-winning star played pioneering British scientist Rosalind Franklin in the West End play last year.

Franklin was the only woman involved in the discovery of DNA's double helix in 1953, but received recognition only years after her death.

Photograph 51 also won best new play.

Gypsy's other triumphs were best supporting actress in a musical award for Lara Pulver, best musical revival and best direction.

Dame Judi Dench was named best supporting actress in a play for her role in Kenneth Branagh's production of Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale.

Kinky Boots also fared well, picking up three awards - best new musical, best choreography and best actor in a musical for its star, Matt Henry.

Mark Gatiss received the the best supporting actor in a play award for the second year running for his turn in Three Days in the Country, while David Bedella picked up best supporting actor in a musical for In The Heights.

The winners were announced at the Prince of Wales theatre in London on Sunday evening, where performers included Pixie Lott, who is soon to appear on stage in Breakfast at Tiffany's in the West End and regional theatres.

Sir Kenneth Branagh was this year's recipient of the Equity award for services to theatre.

He recently launched a season at the Garrick Theatre in the West End, which also included productions of Romeo and Juliet; The Painkiller, starring Rob Brydon; The Entertainer and the Tricycle theatre's production of Red Velvet.

West End stalwart Les Miserables picked up the coveted best West End show award.