At this year's Theatre Awards announced yesterday, Imelda Staunton won Best Performance in a Musical  for her portrayal of Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd. The production was first staged during Festival 2011 before transferring to the West End earlier this year.

Co-star Michael Ball, who was also up for the award, collect saying "I had the best time playing Ernie to her Eric". He then went on to read Staunton's words - "I'm totally indebted to the wonderful Jonathan Kent for his superb direction."

Henry Goodman received the award for Best Performance in a Play in the title role of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, staged during Festival 2012. Chichester's Artistic Director, and Director of the production, Jonathan Church, collected the award on his behalf.

Chichester Festival Theatre also received nominations in the following categories:

Best New Play: South Downs by David Hare

Best Musical Production: Sweeney Todd, directed by Jonathan Kent

Best Performance in a Musical: Michael Ball in Sweeney Todd