Bally Gill wins 2018 Ian Charleson Award

Bally Gill has won the 2018 Ian Charleson Award, given to an actor under the age of 30 for playing a classical role.

Gill played Romeo in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Romeo and Juliet, which ran in Stratford before touring.

Gill took home first prize at the 29th awards, which are given in memory of the actor Ian Charleson, who died aged 40 in 1990.

The second prize was given to Hannah Morrish for playing Octavia in Antony and Cleopatra at the National Theatre, with third prize going to Luke Newberry’s performance as Malcolm in Macbeth at the RSC.

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

The awards were presented at a lunch at the National Theatre on May 13. Judges included Kate Bassett, Deborah Findlay, Michael Grandage and Wendy Spon.

Last year’s winner was Natalie Simpson, who won for The Cardinal at Southwark Playhouse.

Natalie Simpson wins 2017 Ian Charleson Award