Stewart scoops award for Macbeth

Patrick Stewart played Macbeth as a modern dictator

The West End production of Macbeth has won two London Evening Standard Theatre Awards, including best actor for Star Trek's Patrick Stewart.

Anne-Marie Duff was named best actress for her lead role in Saint Joan ahead of Billie Piper, nominated for Treats.

A Disappearing Number received best play while Rupert Goold picked up the prize for direction, for Macbeth.

The reworking of the Shakespeare tragedy saw the play taking place in a modern Stalinst tyranny.

It was also shortlisted for best design, for "raising goosepimples with its evocation of a Hell's kitchen experience", but lost out in the category to War Horse.

Hairspray triumphed in the best musical category

Hairspray, which stars Michael Ball in the lead role of a 1960s housewife, collected top musical.

It also saw off competition from Parade and Fiddler on the Roof to win the Ned Sherrin Award, named after the late broadcaster.

Sherrin, who died in October aged 76, was the regular compere of the awards luncheon.

Stephen Wight won most promising newcomer for his roles in Dealer's Choice and Don Juan in Soho, while Polly Stenham was most promising playwright.

Among the stage stars attending the awards ceremony in London's Savoy Hotel were Sir Ian McKellen, Christian Slater, Richard Wilson, Sheila Hancock and Zoe Wanamaker.