Billy Elliot danced his way to best musical at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards on November 28, 2005. Elton John, who wrote the music, and director Stephen Daldry were at the Savoy to pick up the prize.

The best actor and actress awards went to Simon Russell Beale for The Philanthropist and Harriet Walter for Mary Stuart.

Billy Elliot, about a Tyneside boy who dreams of being a ballet dancer, leapt above Mary Poppins and The Big Life to capture the highly coveted prize and crown a remarkable transition from film to stage.

Elton, Daldry, lyricist Lee Hall and executive producer David Furnish were presented with the award by Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta, guest principal at The Royal Ballet. The next step for Billy Elliot, which continues to play to full houses at the Victoria Palace, is to transfer to Broadway.

Here is a complete list of the winners:

Best Play
The Home Place by Brian Friel, Gate Theatre, Dublin/Comedy Theatre

Best Musical
Billy Elliot, Victoria Palace Theatre

Best Actor
Simon Russell Beale, The Philanthropist, Donmar Warehouse

Best Actress
Harriet Walter, Mary Stuart, Donmar Warehouse/Apollo

Best Designer
Paul Brown, As You Desire Me, Playhouse Theatre
Bob Crowley, Mary Poppins, Prince Edward Theatre
Christopher Oram (designer) and Paule Constable (lighting designer), Don Carlos, Sheffield Theatres/Gielgud

Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer
Daniel Kramer for his direction of Hair and Woyzeck, Gate Theatre
Menier Chocolate Factory co-directors David Babani and Danielle Tarento
Ben Silverstone for his performance in Man And Boy, Duchess Theatre

Sydney Edwards Award for Best Director
Michael Grandage, Don Carlos (Sheffield Theatres/Gielgud) and Grand Hotel (Donmar Warehouse)

Charles Wintour Award for Most Promising Playwright
Nell Leyshon, Comfort Me With Apples, Hampstead Theatre

Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer
Menier Chocolate Factory (co-directors David Babani and Danielle Tarento)

A special award also went to the Royal Court for its "exceptional contribution" to British theater.

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