Sir Ian McKellen and Sheffield theatres are honoured

The actor, 77, was honoured both for championing diversity and for his commitment to theatre, including touring productions.

Sheffield Theatres and Vanessa Redgrave were also honoured at the event.

Sir Ian joins Sir Matthew Bourne, Bradford-born Timothy West and Prunella Scales as recipients of the trophy.

Theatre veteran Ms Redgrave was also honoured at the ceremony at London’s Guildhall, picking up the Gielgud award for excellence in the dramatic arts.

The screen and television actress, 79, has starred in more than 35 productions in London’s West End and on Broadway, in a career lasting six decades.

She joins the ranks of previous recipients of the award including Sir Ian, Sir Derek Jacobi, York-born Dame Judi Dench, Sir Kenneth Branagh and Lynn Redgrave.

Established in honour of the English actor Sir John Gielgud, the Gielgud award has been given sporadically since 1996.

The award for best musical production was shared by Sheffield Theatres’ productions of Show Boat and Flowers For Mrs Harris, both directed by Daniel Evans.

Clare Burt, who played Mrs Harris, received the award for best performance in a musical, while Rebecca Trehearn collected best supporting performance for Show Boat.

Lez Brotherston also won the design prize for his work on the two musicals.

Best new play went to Cuttin’ It by Charlene James, which was a Young Vic/Royal Court Theatre co-production with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Sheffield Theatres and The Yard Theatre.

The award for best performance in a play was given to Paapa Essiedu for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Hamlet.

The achievement in dance award was given to Gary Clarke for Coal. The Mill at Sonning was announced as the overall winner of the public vote for UK’s most welcoming theatre, in association with Smooth Radio.

President of UK Theatre Fiona Allan said: “The UK Theatre Awards celebrate the world-class theatre that is performed on stages across the country and demonstrates the breadth and depth of outstanding talent.

“It is also important that we recognise the venues and the teams that run them.”