1. Elliot Cowan
Initially staking his claim for a place on this list with an intensely physical performance as Stanley in the Donmar's
A Streetcar Named Desire, Elliot Cowan delivered the knockout punch with a wonderfully nuanced portrayal of
Edmond earlier this month. He also directed this production as part of a campaign to keep Wilton's Music Hall open, so not only is he bee-yoo-ti-ful with arms to die for, he also has brains and a social conscience: I know what I would like under my tree this year!
2. Joseph Millson
In a year full of gay plays and plays full of gay characters, Joseph Millson actually managed the rare feat of creating one of the few fully rounded, fully recognisable 'normal' characters who happened to be of the homosexual persuasion on the stage this year. His work in
The Priory was excellent, creating a realistic man who was wholly believable in his indignation at being labelled one of 'the gays' yet not allowing anyone else in his kitchen, objecting to being stereotyped as being out clubbing and cruising all the time and then inviting his Gaydar trick along to the party. Also good in
Every Boy Deserves Good Favour and
Judgment Day this year, Millson loses out on top place for being cast in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new play, thereby forcing me to see Love Never Dies in order to see him next year.