Branagh comeback up for top award

Branagh can be seen in Ivanov until 29 November

Kenneth Branagh's return to the West End stage has been shortlisted for an Evening Standard Theatre Award.

His performance in Chekhov's Ivanov - his first London role for five years - is one of three shortlisted for this year's best actor prize.

Chiwetel Ejiofor's Othello at the Donmar Warehouse and David Calder's King Lear at the Shakespeare's Globe are also nominated.

Donmar productions lead the field with six nominations in four categories.

They include a best director nomination for its artistic director Michael Grandage, recognised for Othello and The Chalk Garden at the Donmar itself and the Donmar production of Ivanov at the Wyndham's.

'Astonishing year'

Chalk Garden stars Margaret Tyzack and Penelope Wilton are both in the running for best actress, with fellow cast member Felicity Jones up for best newcomer.

There is also recognition for the National Theatre of Scotland's debut production Black Watch, up for best play and best director.

Evening Standard theatre critic Nicholas de Jongh said it had been "an astonishing year", citing the Donmar's year-long West End season and the London stage debut of Hollywood star Josh Hartnett.

The awards will be presented at a lunchtime ceremony at the Royal Opera House on 24 November.

Last year's event saw two prizes go to Patrick Stewart's West End production of Macbeth.

The awards, now in their 54th year, have been presented annually since 1955.