Actor Bally Gill has been awarded the 2019 Ian Charleson Award for his performance as Romeo in the RSC’s recent staging of ROMEO AND JULIET.

Erica Whyman’s revival premiered in Stratford-upon-Avon in May 2018 before playing at London’s Barbican Theatre and across the UK on tour. Bally Gill received huge acclaim for his leading performance opposite Karen Fishwick’s Juliet.

The annual award acknowledges the work of actors under 30 in ‘classical’ roles (defined as written before 1918). The award was created in memory of the actor Ian Charleson who died two months after his performances as HAMLET at the National Theatre.

The second place prize went to Hannah Morrish, for her performance as Octavia in the National Theatre’s ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. Third place was awarded to Luke Newberry for his role as Malcolm in the RSC’s MACBETH.

The other shortlisted actors, who received commendations were: Aaron Pierre, Daniel Burke, Helena Wilson, Ellora Torchia, Heledd Gwynn, Martins Imhangbe, Tyrone Huntley and Toheeb Jimoh.

Previous winners of the award include Tom Hollander, Dominic West, David Oyelowo, Ruth Negga, Cush Jumbo and Paapa Essiedu.