Ben Whishaw in Hamlet
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South Bank Names Festen, Boys, Don & Whishaw

Nominations were announced today for the ninth annual South Bank Show Awards, which honours the UK’s creative talent across a wide range of the arts.

In the Theatre category, three productions have been nominated for distinction: the Almeida’s stage adaptation of Festen, now playing at the West End’s Lyric Theatre; the world premiere of Alan Bennett’s The History Boys, still running at the NT Lyttelton; and Sheffield Crucible’s revival of Don Carlos, which stars Derek Jacobi and which will transfer to the West End in the new year.

This year’s South Bank event sees the introduction of a Breakthrough Award, in association with The Times newspaper, which recognises rising British talent. The theatre nominee is Ben Whishaw for his performance in the title role of Trevor Nunn’s Hamlet at the Old Vic.

Last week, Whishaw was nominated in Whatsonstage.com’s own Theatregoers’ Choice Awards, for both Best Actor and London Newcomer of the Year. The other South Bank theatre contenders also figure heavily in the Whatsonstage.com shortlists (click here to vote now).

Winners of the 2005 South Bank Show Awards will be announced at a star-studded ceremony at the Savoy on 27 January 2005. The ceremony will be aired, as part of the ITV1 arts programme, on 30 January.

- by Terri Paddock

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