Theatre News

Jack Lowden wins 2013 Ian Charleson Award

The annual prize is given to an actor under 30 in a classical role

Jack Lowden with his Olivier Award
Jack Lowden with his Olivier Award
© Dan Wooller

Scottish actor Jack Lowden has won the 2013 Ian Charleson Award for his performance in Richard Eyre's acclaimed production of Ibsen's Ghosts.

Lowden also recently won an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Oswald in the production, which originated at the Almeida and starred Lesley Manville as Mrs Alving.

Established in 1991 in honour of acclaimed actor Ian Charleson, the award is run jointly by the Sunday Times newspaper and the National Theatre.

The annual prize is given to an actor anywhere in the UK under the age of 30 in a classical role – defined as a play written up until 1904, the year Chekhov died.

Lowden overcame a shortlist that also featured rising stars including Olivia Vinall and Jessie Buckley.

Writing on Twitter, he said he was "very proud" to receive the honour last Friday (25 April) in the presence of "theatre royalty".

Jack Lowden with Lesley Manville in Ghosts
Jack Lowden with Lesley Manville in Ghosts