Moor the merrier as Henry gets award nod

COMEDIAN Lenny Henry has cemented his transition to serious actor status after being shortlisted for a top award as best newcomer – more than 30 years into his entertainment career.

The star was nominated at the London Evening Standard Theatre Awards for his portrayal in the title role of Othello at London's Trafalgar Studios.

Other familiar faces from film and TV to be nominated for awards, which will be handed out on 23 November, include Scottish actor Ken Stott, Rachel Weisz and Juliet Stevenson.

The Royal Court Theatre dominates yesterday's shortlist of 11 productions or performances up for awards, with its two plays, Enron and Jerusalem, competing in several categories, including best play and best director.

Henry has drawn acclaim for his role in the Shakespeare production, his first foray into straight stage-acting.

At the age of 51, he finds himself competing against performers who are half his age, including one – Bel Powley, nominated for Tusk Tusk – who is only 17.

Stott, who is nominated for his role in A View From The Bridge, takes on a heavyweight cast of Simon Russell Beale, Mark Rylance and Samuel West in the fight for top honours in the best actor category.