Evening Standard Theatre Awards: Nicole Scherzinger stuns in a sweeping sequinned gown a as Best Musical Performance winner joins elegant Jenna Coleman, Hayley Atwell and Ruth Wilson on the red carpet at annual ceremony

Nicole Scherzinger, Jenna Coleman, Hayley Atwell, and Ruth Wilson led the glamorous stars at the 67th Evening Standard Theatre Awards at London’s swanky Claridge’s Hotel on Sunday.

With the former Pussycat Doll, 45, honoured with the Best Musical Perfomance trophy for her showstopping turn in West End Musical Sunset Boulevard.

Nicole looked nothing short of sensational in a black sequinned gown with lace overlay hugged every inch of her jaw-dropping figure and dazzled beneath the lights.

The plunging frock teased a glimpse of her ample cleavage as she graced the red carpet ahead of the swanky ceremony. 

Meanwhile Former Doctor Who star Jenna, 37, looked ravishing in a cream woven dress which was tailored to perfection.  

Glamour: (L-R) Nicole Scherzinger, Jenna Coleman , Hayley Atwell , and Ruth Wilson led the glamorous stars at the 67th Evening Standard Theatre Awards at London’s swanky Claridge’s Hotel on Sunday

Big night: The former Pussycat Doll, 45, honoured with the Best Musical Perfomance trophy for her showstopping turn in West End Musical Sunset Boulevard

Her gorgeous frock boasted a high neck and gold clasps, with Jenna forgoing jewellery to let the outfit speak for itself opting instead for simple earrings and styling her glossy locks in a 1960s inspired flick.

Elsewhere Mission Impossible actress Hayley, 41, put on a very busty display in a plunging back gownwith long and dramatic cape like sleeves.  

The figure-hugging frock accentuated her curves and Hayley added a pop of colour to the ensemble with a pair of hot pink stiletto heels.

She added a little extra glamour with a selection of jewellery including a huge diamond ring, after becoming engaged to Ned Wolfgang Kelly earlier this year. 

Zawe Ashton, 39, made her own very stylish arrival on the red carpetalongside fiancé and Loki star Tom Hiddleston, 42, with whom she welcomed a child in October 2022.

The beauty wore an eye-catching navy blue sequinned maxi dress for the occasion complete with elegant cape that also boasted silver embellishments on the neckline.

Elsewhere on the red carpet Ruth Wilson, 41, looked nothing short of sensational in a black sheer top with high-waisted skirt that teased a glimpse of her toned legs via a thigh-high split.  

The actress slicked back her dark tresses into a chic chignon, adding extra height to her frame with platform heels and accessorising with a simple clutch.

Marvel star Tom didn’t disappoint and was suited and booted in a green double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket which he layered over a crisp white shirt and black dickie bow.

He also donned a pair of smart black trousers and shiny dress shoes as he proudly cuddled up to stunning fiancée Zawe. 

Winner: Nicole looked nothing short of sensational in a black sequinned gown with lace overlay hugged every inch of her jaw-dropping figure and dazzled beneath the lights

Stunner: The singer wore a slick of pillar box red lipstick and a pair of sparkling chandelier earrings 

Pose: Former Doctor Who star Jenna, 37, looked ravishing in a cream woven gown which was tailored to perfection and hugged every inch of her jaw-dropping figure

Perfection: Her gorgeous frock boasted a high neck and gold clasps which dazzled under the lights as she strutted her stuff on the a-list red carpet

Glam: Jenna forwent jewellery to let the outfit speak for itself opting instead for simple earrings and styling her glossy locks in a 1960s inspired flick.

Cuddle: She made a rare red carpet apperence with director boyfriend Jamie Childs 

Gorgeous: Meanwhile Mission Impossible actress Hayley, 41, put on a very busty display in a plunging back dress with long and dramatic cape like sleeves

Sparkles: The stunner completed the look with a selection of jewellery including a huge diamond ring – after becoming engaged to Ned Wolfgang Kelly 

Sequins: She toted her essentials for the evening in a sparkly clutch 

Old pals: She later cuddled up with the evening’s host Sir Sir Ian McKellen

Chic: Elsewhere on the red carpet Ruth Wilson, 41, looked nothing short of sensational in a black sheer top with high-waisted skirt that teased a glimpse of her toned legs via a thigh-high split

Oozing elegance: The actress slicked back her dark tresses into a chic chignon, adding extra height to her frame with platform heels and accessorising with a simple clutch

Looking good: Ruth Wilson beamed as she joined her fellow celebs at the swanky shindig 

Well done: The actress was honoured for her regent stage play which saw her perform for 24 hours straight 

Couple goals: Zawe Ashton, 39, made her own very stylish arrival alongside fiancé and Loki star Tom Hiddleston, 42, with whom she welcomed a child in October 2022

Dazzling display: TThe beauty wore an eye-catching navy blue sequinned maxi dress for the occasion complete with elegant cape that also boasted silver embellishments on the neckline

Sensational: the actress oozed sophistication as she graced the star-studded red carpet 

The Evening Standard Theatre Awards were established in 1955, making them the oldest theatrical awards ceremony in the UK. 

They event, which is organised by The Evening Standard Newspaper, annually celebrate achievements in London Theatre and this year was  hosted by Sir Ian McKellen.

Publisher Lord Lebedev said: ‘The Evening Standard is proud to celebrate the incredible creatives who, in such difficult times, have continued to dazzle on stage and create magic behind the scenes. The Evening Stand Awards are part of London’s heritage, and this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be one of our most special yet.’

This year’s nominations include big names like Paul Mescal for his performance in A Streetcar Named Desire up for best actor only to be pipped to the post by Andrew Scott for his one-man show Vanya. 

Style: Marvel star Tom didn’t disappoint and was suited and booted in a green double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket 

Smarty pants: He layered his jacket over a crisp white shirt and black dickie bow

Old Hollywood: The Loki star slicked back his brunette locks

Sweet: The lovebirds put on a very cosy display as they made their way along the red carpet 

Beaming: The duo couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces 

Off we go: Tom later guided his bride-to-be into the swanky ceremony 

Busty: Harry Styles’ rumoured girlfriend Taylor Russell looked drop dead gorgeous in a plunging black suit 

Pucker up: The Canadian actress accentuated her pout with a slick of red lipstick 

Pals: Jamie Lloyd and Taylor cosied up for a sweet photo inside the event at Claridge’s hotel

Unique: Paloma Faith opted for a vintage inspired ensemble with a fluffy black cardigan and high-waisted black pencil skirt 

Lady in red: She rocked a bright red lip and matching manicure

Nicole’s new role marks her return to the stage, eight years after she was nominated for an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Grizabella in Cats.

And her musical comeback has been heralded a success by Daily Mail reviewer Luke Jones who gave her a five star review.

It said: ‘The classically romantic score remains, melting over a slightly clunky plot about a reclusive, deluded silent movie star who ensnares a young writer called Joe, so he can polish her comeback screenplay. Over the course of two-and-a-half hours she loses her marbles, and he loses his life.

‘Director Jamie Lloyd, who’s been toiling at his stripped-back and moody style of revival for years, has finally hit the sweet spot. No lavish costumes, no intricate set. Just live camera work, a ferociously big star, and an even bigger band.

‘The lighting is almost exclusively bright white, which designer Jack Knowles harnesses in the most magical way. It pulsates, hides and reveals, using the thick stage mist.

‘Dominating the view, though, is an enormous screen, giving us haunting, live close-up shots of the actors in front of us… melodramatic glances, fluttering lashes and big bulbous tears. Scherzinger even delivers a pouty over-the-shoulder look right down the barrel.

Green with envy: Sheila Atim stunned in a ultra stylish Emilia Wickstead jumpsuit 

Figure: The outfit featured cut outs at her svelte waist 

Twirl! Never one to disappoint in the fashion stakes Billy Porter wore a dramatic black skirt 

Sequin city: David Tennant dressed to impress in a heavily embellished black suit 

Quirky: He adorned his black sweater with a selection of silver broaches 

Here come the boy: (L-R) Jake Sheers, Daniel Mays,  Evgeny Lebedev

Say Cheese: Director Sam Mendes (R) was joined by wife Alison Balsom (L)

Dapper: The director wore a smart black tuxedo while his wife opted for a plunging gown

Talent: Actresses (L-R) Patsy Ferran, Kate Fleetwood and Tanya Reynolds were all dressed to impress 

‘It’s a perfect marriage of psychological trauma and camp. Think Pinter, with a bouncy brass section and expressive dance. Or opera, if it were watchable. Norma’s dramatics are put in what feels like a real world.

‘Scherzinger will rightly get a low-loader full of awards, but so too should her co-star Tom Francis, as poor Joe. Both are vocally flawless. Both deftly balance the histrionic and the genuinely heartbreaking, the playful and raw.

‘They take their bows dripping in fake blood and genuine, hard-earned sweat.

‘Nicole Scherzinger nails it from the off. Any doubts I had about a Pussycat Doll playing Hollywood’s answer to Miss Havisham were banished pronto.

‘The early tune, With One Look, sees Scherzinger, as the mighty Norma Desmond, rip off her sunglasses and, in a tornado of stage haze and white-hot spotlights, roar an ear-popping showstopper.

‘The room leaped to its feet. Fading pop star becomes fading film icon, to dramatic perfection! I gasped – losing a full mouthful of gin and tonic to my shirt.

Wow: Sir Elton John (L) made a star-studded arrival at the annual ceremony alongside husband David Furnish (R)

Stylish: Boy George (L) looked stylish in a vibrant black jacket as he joined Vangelis Polydorou (R) on the red carpet

Iconic: Elton John (L), Boy George (M) and Jake Shears (R) looked incredible as they all joined for a photo

Dinner: (L-R) Boy George, Hayley Atwell and Sir Ian McKellen

Pals: David Tennant and Jenna Coleman sat next to one another at the dinner

Stunning: Paloma Faith posed up a storm 

SweetL Hayley Atwell and Sir Ian McKellen cosied up for a picture together

Dapper: Tom Hiddleston appeared to be in great spirits as he beamed for photographers

Star: Strictly’s Layton Williams put on a dapper display as he sported a metallic silver suit with stylish white heeled boots

Stylish: The Everybody’s Talking About Jamie star accessorised with a snake-skin clutch bag and dangling silver earrings

Perfection: Billy Porter (L) and Paloma Faith (R) excluded glamour at the annual ceremony

Trio: Rosa Robson, Paapa Essiedu and Anoushka Lucas (L-R)  were all smiles as they mingled with fellow friends from the industry

Chic: Tuppence Middleton was the epitome of sophistication in plunging black cocktail dress 

Glamorous: Director Rebecca Frecknall slipped into a chic metallic maxi dress, teamed with a stylish black clutch bag

Pop Icon: Boy George (R) cut a very quirky figure alongside Vangelis Polydorou a (L)

Dapper: Sex Education star Asa Butterfield looked handsome in a grey tuxedo and white trainers

Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2023: The Winners

Best Actor

Paapa Essiedu, The Effect, National Theatre

Mark Gatiss, The Motive and the Cue, National Theatre

Paul Mescal, A Streetcar Named Desire, Almeida Theatre

Andrew Scott, Vanya, Duke of York’s Theatre – WINNER

Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress in association with Mithridate

Patsy Ferran, A Streetcar Named Desire – WINNER

Sophie Okonedo, Medea, @sohoplace

Rachael Stirling, Private Lives, Donmar Warehouse

Anjana Vasan, A Streetcar Named Desire – WINNER

Best Play 

Dear England, James Graham, National Theatre

A Mirror, Sam Holcroft, Almeida Theatre

The Motive and the Cue, Jack Thorne, National Theatre – WINNER

Retrograde, Ryan Calais Cameron, Kiln Theatre

Best Musical Performance

Kyle Ramar Freeman, A Strange Loop, Barbican Theatre

Nicole Scherzinger, Sunset Boulevard, Savoy Theatre – WINNER

Charlie Stemp, Crazy For You, Gillian Lynne Theatre

Marisha Wallace, Guys & Dolls, Bridge Theatre

Best Musical

Guys & Dolls, Bridge Theatre – WINNER

Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre/Sheffield Theatres

A Strange Loop, Barbican Theatre

Tammy Faye, Almeida Theatre

Charles Wintour Award for Most Promising Playwright

Matilda Feyisayo Ibini, Sleepova, Bush Theatre

Kimber Lee, untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play, Young Vic Theatre

Anoushka Lucas, Elephant, Bush Theatre

Isley Lynn, The Swell, Orange Tree Theatre – WINNER

Best Design

Bunny Christie, Guys & Dolls, Bridge Theatre

Robert Jones, Dancing at Lughnasa, National Theatre

Georgia Lowe, The Good Person of Szechwan, Lyric Hammersmith/ETT/Sheffield Theatres – WINNER

Tom Pye, My Neighbour Totoro, RSC/Barbican Theatre

Milton Shulman Award for Best Director

Rebecca Frecknall, A Streetcar Named Desire, Almeida Theatre

Rupert Goold, Dear England, National Theatre

Nicholas Hytner, Guys & Dolls, Bridge Theatre

Jamie Lloyd, Sunset Boulevard, Savoy Theatre – WINNER

Emerging Talent

Andrew Richardson, Guys & Dolls, Bridge Theatre

Taylor Russell, The Effect, National Theatre

Tatenda Shamiso, NO-ID, Royal Court – WINNER

Jack Wolfe, Next to Normal, Donmar Warehouse

 

 

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