Evening Standard Theatre Awards - The Story of the Night

Radio 2 brings you coverage from the Evening Standard Theatre Awards in London. Ken Bruce and Elaine Paige present the prestigious 2016 event which showcases some of the most stunning productions and performers in London, including the winner of the Radio 2 Audience Award For Best Musical.

This year's London Theatre Awards was co-hosted by Evening Standard owner Evgeny Lebedev and Sir Elton John. There was no shortage of stage and screen celebrities, British talent filled the red carpet. Last year’s Best Actor winner, James McAvoy was there to present the award for Best Actress. The guest list also included Patrick Stewart, Elizabeth Hurley and the delightful Joan Collin. Orlando Bloom sent fans into a bit of a frenzy, sporting blond hair and a purple velvet suit. We think he could pull anything off. How about you?

Find out who this year's winners are.

Billie Piper has been nominated for this award three times. This year she sealed the deal and was recognised for her performance in Yerma. The play originally written in 1934 by the Spanish dramatist Federico García Lorc, is a sell out. Billie describes coming across the play for the first time.

Ralph Fiennes received his award for his performances in The Master Builder. A Norwegian play originally written by Henrik Ibsen, Ralph Fiennes successfully brings realism and myth alive.

Elton John presented Glenn Close with the award for best musical performance for Sunset Boulevard. One of two Americans to pick up an award, Close describes playing Norma Desmond twice the first time being 22 years ago in 1994.

Voted for by you, this honour went to the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar and was accepted by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

It was his directing debut, but John Malkovich wowed judges with Good Canary and was awarded best director.

And just when you thought the awards couldn't be more glamorous, The Duke of Cambridge popped by to present the Beyond Theatre Award to Sir David Attenborough.

Here at Radio 2 we love to give you exclusive access to a secretive world. Here you go...

Despite working a six day week Rob Brydon was in good spirits. Even paying a small homage to our very own, Ken Bruce.