When filming came to an end on the Harry Potter franchise, both Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint expressed fears that their acting careers would come to an end. They needn't have worried – both stars were named winners at the WhatsOnStage awards on Sunday evening.Daniel - sporting hair extensions for his role as Igor in the new adaptation of Frankenstein - was crowned Best Actor in a Play for his performance in The Cripple of Inishmaan. Rupert, meanwhile, took home the Newcomer of the Year award for his West End debut in Jez Butterworth’s Mojo, playing a 1950s drug dealer.
© Photo: RexIt was the second time Daniel has been awarded a WhatsOnStage trophy – he won Rupert's prize in 2008 for his role in Equus.
"I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award and I accept it on behalf of the whole cast who together helped make this production… a truly joyous experience for me as an actor," 24-year-old Daniel said as he accepted the accolade for his role in the black comedy, about a bullied disabled man with dreams of stardom.The winners of the WhatsOnStage awards are voted for by the public, and the Harry Potter stars have clearly captivated both theatre-goers and critics alike.
Daniel on stage at the awards
Dame Helen Mirren was also honoured on the night, named Best Actress in a Play for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience.
In a pre-recorded speech, the star –recently honoured with a BAFTA fellowship– said, "I'm so thrilled to receive this. I'm honoured that it was voted for by the public, that's the most wonderful thing."
David Walliams received the Best Supporting Actor in a Play for his work in A Midsummer Night's Dream, which also won Best Shakespearean Production.
David Walliams also picked up an awardThe Book of Mormon took home four awards: Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical for Gavin Creel, Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Stephen Ashfield and Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for Alexia Khadime.
Mathilda the Musical won Best West End Show, and Barry Humphries – best known as his alter ego Dame Edna Everage - picked up the Best Solo Performance for his farewell tour Eat Pray Laugh!.
