Musical based on Roald Dahl's novel takes four prizes at only major theatre awards voted on by public
Matilda the musical – the RSC's hugely successful adaptation of Roald Dahl's 1988 novel – has taken more prizes than any other production in the only major theatre awards voted on by the public.
The show picked up four prizes at the Whatsonstage.com awards after more than 70,000 people took part in the voting process – a record number. Matilda's honours included best musical, best choreographer for Peter Darling and best set designer for Rob Howell.
The Australian comedian Tim Minchin, who wrote the show's music and lyrics, was named London newcomer of the year from a shortlist that also included Danielle Hope from The Wizard of Oz and Kara Tointon for Pygmalion.
The number of people voting in the awards – which are in their 12th year – was up more than 50%.
"This is our most successful year," said Terri Paddock, managing and editorial director of Whatsonstage.com. "These awards are vital to the theatre industry because, as the only major ones decided across the board by the public, they unashamedly measure popularity as well as quality. And they're just plain fun."
The awards were given out at a West End ceremony hosted by Alan Davies, Jenny Eclair and Sheridan Smith.
The National Theatre play One Man, Two Guvnors won three awards: best actor in a play for James Corden, best new comedy and best supporting actor in a play for Oliver Chris. It will soon complete a sell-out run at the Adelphi and will reopen with a new cast at the Theatre Royal Haymarket next month while Corden and the original ensemble transfer to Broadway in April.
The commercial success of both Matilda and One Man, Two Guvnors generates much-needed money for the publicly subsidised RSC and National respectively, with Matilda widely expected to transfer to New York next year.
An even bigger moneyspinner is the National's War Horse, going great guns at the New London theatre, which was named best West End show – a considerable achievement in beating Wicked, winner of the award in 2010 and 2011.
The National's seven awards were completed by Catherine Tate winning best supporting actress in a play for Seasons Greetings, London Road (the Ipswich serial killer musical returning this summer) taking best ensemble and Danny Boyle getting best director for Frankenstein.
The reunion of Tate and David Tennant for Much Ado About Nothing won best theatre event of the year and best Shakespearean production.
Other winners include Vanessa Redgrave, best actress for Driving Miss Daisy; Alfie Boe, best takeover in a role for Jean Valjean in Les Misérables; Amanda Holden, best actress in a musical for Shrek; and Nigel Harman for best supporting actor in a musical, also for Shrek.
In the best off-West End production category, the Tricycle's verbatim exploration of last summer's riots emerged victorious – a nice leaving present, perhaps, for its director Nicolas Kent, who this year steps down as the theatre's artistic director after nearly 30 years in charge.