| The Critics' Circle Theatre Awards celebrate the best | | | | was somewhat controversially cast as Hamlet in the |
| West End performances of the year. This year, | | | | Donmar Warehouse's production of Shakespeare's |
| among the great and the good of the theatre world, | | | | classic. Despite the early criticism, critic Charles |
| prizes went to both Jude Law and Rachel Weisz, | | | | Spencer of the Daily Telegraph said Law's |
| two experienced actors who had been tarred with | | | | performance was one of "rare vulnerability and |
| the same celebrity stunt-casting brush. However, | | | | emotional openness". |
| after picking up the awards for best Shakespearean | | | | While Weisz's performance was described by the |
| Performance and Best Actress respectively, Law and | | | | Guardian's Michael Billington as one of "impassioned |
| Weisz have silenced nay-sayers. | | | | sincerity". |
| Celebrity casts have been attacked by some | | | | And this isn't the end of the story, Dr Who actor |
| commentators who insist that the practice is just a | | | | David Tennant's stint with the RSC was a resounding |
| 'dumbing-down' of theatre to appeal to a mass | | | | success, and X Factor finalist Diana Vickers is |
| audience. Most notably, Sir Jonathan Miller struck out | | | | currently starring in the production of Little Voice at |
| at the London shows that cast famous faces, stating | | | | The Vaudeville Theatre. So, perhaps, traditionalists in |
| that the West End had become "celebrity obsessed". | | | | the West End should not be so quick to condemn a |
| In the other corner, West End moguls like Andrew | | | | certain new casting just because the actor in |
| Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh have | | | | question is famous. |
| defended Theatreland's decision to cast high-profile | | | | Though Theatreland has frowned on some of the |
| performers in lead roles. They claim that the inclusion | | | | more opportunistic West End casting, ultimately it |
| of star names on the bill not only boosts audience | | | | must be down to the audiences to decide who will |
| figures but also entices younger people to come to | | | | soar and who will sink in world of London theatre. |
| the West End. | | | | Producers have been casting popular actors for |
| Popular with those that might not consider | | | | generations, it's just that popularity in this day and |
| themselves West End regulars, names like Law and | | | | age is more frequently tied to television and film |
| Weisz have appealed to people who enjoy London | | | | rather than stage work. Of course, if a celebrity |
| shows as part of a West End theatre break. People | | | | cannot handle the relentless hard work of performing |
| from all over the country can enjoy taking in a | | | | at the home of British theatre, then the audience will |
| London show before staying the night in a city hotel. | | | | vote with their feet. |
| With Law and Weisz winning these prestigious | | | | A poor performance is never going to attract the |
| awards, critics of celebrity casts have had to eat | | | | crowds, no matter how famous and popular the |
| their words. Especially in the case of Jude Law, who | | | | actor may be. |
