Evening Standard Theatre Awards: Nicole Scherzinger stuns in a sweeping sequinned gown as Best Musical Performance winner joins elegant Jenna Coleman, Hayley Atwell and Ruth Wilson on the red carpet at annual ceremony
Nicole Scherzinger, Jenna Coleman, Hayley Atwell, and Ruth Wilson led the glamorous stars at the 67th Evening Standard Theatre Awards at London's swanky Claridge's Hotel on Sunday.
With the former Pussycat Doll, 45, honoured with the Best Musical Perfomance trophy for her showstopping turn in West End Musical Sunset Boulevard.
Nicole looked nothing short of sensational in a black sequinned gown with lace overlay hugged every inch of her jaw-dropping figure and dazzled beneath the lights.
The plunging frock teased a glimpse of her ample cleavage as she graced the red carpet ahead of the swanky ceremony.
Meanwhile Former Doctor Who star Jenna, 37, looked ravishing in a cream woven dress which was tailored to perfection.
![Glamour: Nicole led the stars alongside....](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003927-12768189-Glamour_Nicole-a-295_1700440386184.jpg)
![Jenna Coleman](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/77993553-12768189-Glamour_Jenna_Coleman_led_the_stars_alongside_-a-296_1700440386184.jpg)
![Ultra chic Hayley Atwell...](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/77993549-12768189-Ultra_chic_Hayley_Atwell_-m-294_1700440381766.jpg)
![and Ruth Wilson at the 67th Evening Standard Theatre Awards at London's Claridge's Hotel on Sunday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/77994343-12768189-and_Ruth_Wilson_at_the_67th_Evening_Standard_Theatre_Awards_at_L-a-297_1700440386184.jpg)
Glamour: (L-R) Nicole Scherzinger, Jenna Coleman , Hayley Atwell , and Ruth Wilson led the glamorous stars at the 67th Evening Standard Theatre Awards at London's swanky Claridge's Hotel on Sunday
![Big night: The former Pussycat Doll, 45, honoured with the Best Musical Perfomance trophy for her showstopping turn in West End Musical Sunset Boulevard](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003929-12768189-Big_night_The_former_Pussycat_Doll_45_honoured_with_the_Best_Mus-m-299_1700440697014.jpg)
Big night: The former Pussycat Doll, 45, honoured with the Best Musical Perfomance trophy for her showstopping turn in West End Musical Sunset Boulevard
Her gorgeous frock boasted a high neck and gold clasps, with Jenna forgoing jewellery to let the outfit speak for itself opting instead for simple earrings and styling her glossy locks in a 1960s inspired flick.
Elsewhere Mission Impossible actress Hayley, 41, put on a very busty display in a plunging back gownwith long and dramatic cape like sleeves.
The figure-hugging frock accentuated her curves and Hayley added a pop of colour to the ensemble with a pair of hot pink stiletto heels.
She added a little extra glamour with a selection of jewellery including a huge diamond ring, after becoming engaged to Ned Wolfgang Kelly earlier this year.
Zawe Ashton, 39, made her own very stylish arrival on the red carpetalongside fiancé and Loki star Tom Hiddleston, 42, with whom she welcomed a child in October 2022.
The beauty wore an eye-catching navy blue sequinned maxi dress for the occasion complete with elegant cape that also boasted silver embellishments on the neckline.
Elsewhere on the red carpet Ruth Wilson, 41, looked nothing short of sensational in a black sheer top with high-waisted skirt that teased a glimpse of her toned legs via a thigh-high split.
The actress slicked back her dark tresses into a chic chignon, adding extra height to her frame with platform heels and accessorising with a simple clutch.
Marvel star Tom didn't disappoint and was suited and booted in a green double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket which he layered over a crisp white shirt and black dickie bow.
He also donned a pair of smart black trousers and shiny dress shoes as he proudly cuddled up to stunning fiancée Zawe.
![Winner: Nicole looked nothing short of sensational in a black sequinned gown with lace overlay hugged every inch of her jaw-dropping figure and dazzled beneath the lights](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78004185-12768189-Winner_Nicole_looked_nothing_short_of_sensational_in_a_black_seq-m-320_1700441052579.jpg)
![Winner: Nicole looked nothing short of sensational in a black sequinned gown with lace overlay hugged every inch of her jaw-dropping figure and dazzled beneath the lights](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78004189-12768189-Winner_Nicole_looked_nothing_short_of_sensational_in_a_black_seq-m-319_1700441047957.jpg)
Winner: Nicole looked nothing short of sensational in a black sequinned gown with lace overlay hugged every inch of her jaw-dropping figure and dazzled beneath the lights
![Stunner: The singer wore a slick of pillar box red lipstick and a pair of sparkling chandelier earrings](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78004177-12768189-image-m-321_1700441062737.jpg)
Stunner: The singer wore a slick of pillar box red lipstick and a pair of sparkling chandelier earrings
![Pose: Former Doctor Who star Jenna, 37, looked ravishing in a cream woven gown which was tailored to perfection and hugged every inch of her jaw-dropping figure](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/19/77993551-12768189-image-a-65_1700421401001.jpg)
Pose: Former Doctor Who star Jenna, 37, looked ravishing in a cream woven gown which was tailored to perfection and hugged every inch of her jaw-dropping figure
![Perfection: Her gorgeous frock boasted a high neck and gold clasps which dazzled under the lights as she strutted her stuff on the a-list red carpet](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/19/77994245-12768189-image-a-75_1700422354980.jpg)
Perfection: Her gorgeous frock boasted a high neck and gold clasps which dazzled under the lights as she strutted her stuff on the a-list red carpet
![Glam: Jenna forwent jewellery to let the outfit speak for itself opting instead for simple earrings and styling her glossy locks in a 1960s inspired flick.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/01/78005825-12768189-image-a-334_1700444921114.jpg)
Glam: Jenna forwent jewellery to let the outfit speak for itself opting instead for simple earrings and styling her glossy locks in a 1960s inspired flick.
![Cuddle: She made a rare red carpet apperence with director boyfriend Jamie Childs](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/01/78005817-12768189-image-a-335_1700444930406.jpg)
Cuddle: She made a rare red carpet apperence with director boyfriend Jamie Childs
![Gorgeous: Meanwhile Mission Impossible actress Hayley, 41, put on a very busty display in a plunging back dress with long and dramatic cape like sleeves](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/19/77994261-12768189-Gorgeous_Meanwhile_Mission_Impossible_actress_Hayley_41_put_on_a-a-99_1700423184756.jpg)
![Fits like a glove: The figure-hugging dress accentuated her curves](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/19/77994505-12768189-Fits_like_a_glove_The_figure_hugging_dress_accentuated_her_curve-a-98_1700423184569.jpg)
![Strut: Hayley added a pop of colour to the ensemble with a pair of hot pink stiletto heels](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/19/77994509-12768189-Strut_Hayley_added_a_pop_of_colour_to_the_ensemble_with_a_pair_o-m-97_1700423179694.jpg)
Gorgeous: Meanwhile Mission Impossible actress Hayley, 41, put on a very busty display in a plunging back dress with long and dramatic cape like sleeves
![Sparkles: The stunner completed the look with a selection of jewellery including a huge diamond ring - after becoming engaged to Ned Wolfgang Kelly](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/19/77994507-12768189-image-a-100_1700423206929.jpg)
Sparkles: The stunner completed the look with a selection of jewellery including a huge diamond ring - after becoming engaged to Ned Wolfgang Kelly
![Sequins: She toted her essentials for the evening in a sparkly clutch](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003865-12768189-image-a-322_1700441167735.jpg)
Sequins: She toted her essentials for the evening in a sparkly clutch
![Old pals: She later cuddled up with the evening's host Sir Sir Ian McKellen](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003861-12768189-image-a-323_1700441189550.jpg)
Old pals: She later cuddled up with the evening's host Sir Sir Ian McKellen
![Chic: Elsewhere on the red carpet Ruth Wilson, 41, looked nothing short of sensational in a black sheer top with high-waisted skirt that teased a glimpse of her toned legs via a thigh-high split](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995133-12768189-Chic_Elsewhere_on_the_red_carpet_Ruth_Wilson_41_looked_nothing_s-m-116_1700424461145.jpg)
![Chic: Elsewhere on the red carpet Ruth Wilson, 41, looked nothing short of sensational in a black sheer top with high-waisted skirt that teased a glimpse of her toned legs via a thigh-high split](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995131-12768189-Chic_Elsewhere_on_the_red_carpet_Ruth_Wilson_41_looked_nothing_s-a-117_1700424467771.jpg)
Chic: Elsewhere on the red carpet Ruth Wilson, 41, looked nothing short of sensational in a black sheer top with high-waisted skirt that teased a glimpse of her toned legs via a thigh-high split
![Oozing elegance: The actress slicked back her dark tresses into a chic chignon, adding extra height to her frame with platform heels and accessorising with a simple clutch](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995135-12768189-Oozing_elegance_The_actress_slicked_back_her_dark_tresses_into_a-a-79_1700426038883.jpg)
Oozing elegance: The actress slicked back her dark tresses into a chic chignon, adding extra height to her frame with platform heels and accessorising with a simple clutch
![Looking good: Ruth Wilson beamed as she joined her fellow celebs](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/77996715-12768189-Looking_good_Ruth_Wilson_beamed_as_she_joined_her_fellow_celebs-m-257_1700439230450.jpg)
![Looking good: Ruth Wilson beamed as she joined her fellow celebs at the swanky shindig](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003505-12768189-image-a-258_1700439235168.jpg)
Looking good: Ruth Wilson beamed as she joined her fellow celebs at the swanky shindig
![Well done: The actress was honoured for her regent stage play which saw her perform for 24 hours straight](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003503-12768189-image-a-324_1700441298596.jpg)
Well done: The actress was honoured for her regent stage play which saw her perform for 24 hours straight
![Couple goals: Zawe Ashton, 39, made her own very stylish arrival alongside fiancé and Loki star Tom Hiddleston, 42, with whom she welcomed a child in October 2022](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/19/77994243-12768189-image-a-101_1700423374801.jpg)
Couple goals: Zawe Ashton, 39, made her own very stylish arrival alongside fiancé and Loki star Tom Hiddleston, 42, with whom she welcomed a child in October 2022
![Dazzling display: The beauty wore an eye-catching navy blue sequinned maxi dress for the occasion complete with elegant cape that also boasted silver embellishments on the neckline](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/19/77994741-12768189-image-m-105_1700423505464.jpg)
![Dazzling display:The beauty wore an eye-catching navy blue sequinned maxi dress for the occasion complete with elegant cape that also boasted silver embellishments on the neckline](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/19/77994747-12768189-image-m-107_1700423516805.jpg)
Dazzling display: TThe beauty wore an eye-catching navy blue sequinned maxi dress for the occasion complete with elegant cape that also boasted silver embellishments on the neckline
![Sensational: the actress oozed sophistication as she graced the star-studded red carpet](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/19/77994737-12768189-image-m-109_1700423616727.jpg)
Sensational: the actress oozed sophistication as she graced the star-studded red carpet
The Evening Standard Theatre Awards were established in 1955, making them the oldest theatrical awards ceremony in the UK.
They event, which is organised by The Evening Standard Newspaper, annually celebrate achievements in London Theatre and this year was hosted by Sir Ian McKellen.
Publisher Lord Lebedev said: 'The Evening Standard is proud to celebrate the incredible creatives who, in such difficult times, have continued to dazzle on stage and create magic behind the scenes. The Evening Stand Awards are part of London's heritage, and this year's ceremony is shaping up to be one of our most special yet.'
This year's nominations include big names like Paul Mescal for his performance in A Streetcar Named Desire up for best actor only to be pipped to the post by Andrew Scott for his one-man show Vanya.
![Style: Marvel star Tom didn't disappoint and was suited and booted in a green double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995275-12768189-Style_Marvel_star_Tom_didn_t_disappoint_and_was_suited_and_boote-a-80_1700426038948.jpg)
![Style: Marvel star Tom didn't disappoint and was suited and booted in a green double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995265-12768189-Style_Marvel_star_Tom_didn_t_disappoint_and_was_suited_and_boote-a-82_1700426038955.jpg)
Style: Marvel star Tom didn't disappoint and was suited and booted in a green double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket
![Smarty pants: He layered his jacket over a crisp white shirt and black dickie bow](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995267-12768189-Smarty_pants_He_layered_his_jacket_over_a_crisp_white_shirt_and_-a-81_1700426038952.jpg)
Smarty pants: He layered his jacket over a crisp white shirt and black dickie bow
![Old Hollywood: The Loki star slicked back his brunette locks](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995271-12768189-Old_Hollywood_The_Loki_star_slicked_back_his_brunette_locks-a-83_1700426038956.jpg)
Old Hollywood: The Loki star slicked back his brunette locks
![Sweet: The lovebirds put on a very cosy display as they made their way along the red carpet](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995273-12768189-Sweet_The_lovebirds_put_on_a_very_cosy_display_as_they_made_thei-a-84_1700426039043.jpg)
![Sweet: The lovebirds put on a very cosy display as they made their way along the red carpet](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995255-12768189-Sweet_The_lovebirds_put_on_a_very_cosy_display_as_they_made_thei-a-85_1700426039050.jpg)
Sweet: The lovebirds put on a very cosy display as they made their way along the red carpet
![Beaming: The duo couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995253-12768189-Beaming_The_duo_couldn_t_wipe_the_smiles_off_their_faces-a-86_1700426039083.jpg)
Beaming: The duo couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces
![Off we go: Tom later guided his bride-to-be into the swanky ceremony](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995277-12768189-Off_we_go_Tom_later_guided_his_bride_to_be_into_the_swanky_cerem-a-87_1700426039099.jpg)
Off we go: Tom later guided his bride-to-be into the swanky ceremony
![Busty: Harry Styles' rumoured girlfriend Taylor Russell looked drop dead gorgeous in a plunging black suit](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995711-12768189-Busty_Harry_Styles_rumoured_girlfriend_Taylor_Russell_looked_dro-a-88_1700426039106.jpg)
Busty: Harry Styles' rumoured girlfriend Taylor Russell looked drop dead gorgeous in a plunging black suit
![Pucker up: The Canadian actress accentuated her pout with a slick of red lipstick](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995419-12768189-Pucker_up_The_Canadian_actress_accentuated_her_pout_with_a_slick-a-89_1700426039107.jpg)
Pucker up: The Canadian actress accentuated her pout with a slick of red lipstick
![Pals: Jamie Lloyd and Taylor cosied up for a sweet photo inside the event at Claridge's hotel](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77996723-12768189-image-a-108_1700426912321.jpg)
Pals: Jamie Lloyd and Taylor cosied up for a sweet photo inside the event at Claridge's hotel
![Unique: Paloma Faith opted for a vintage inspired ensemble with a fluffy black cardigan and high-waisted black pencil skirt](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995891-12768189-Unique_Paloma_Faith_opted_for_a_vintage_inspired_ensemble_with_a-a-94_1700426039239.jpg)
![Unique: Paloma Faith opted for a vintage inspired ensemble with a fluffy black cardigan and high-waisted black pencil skirt](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995895-12768189-Unique_Paloma_Faith_opted_for_a_vintage_inspired_ensemble_with_a-a-90_1700426039170.jpg)
Unique: Paloma Faith opted for a vintage inspired ensemble with a fluffy black cardigan and high-waisted black pencil skirt
![Lady in red: She rocked a bright red lip and matching manicure](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995427-12768189-Lady_in_red_She_rocked_a_bright_red_lip_and_matching_manicure-a-91_1700426039180.jpg)
Lady in red: She rocked a bright red lip and matching manicure
Nicole's new role marks her return to the stage, eight years after she was nominated for an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Grizabella in Cats.
And her musical comeback has been heralded a success by Daily Mail reviewer Luke Jones who gave her a five star review.
It said: 'The classically romantic score remains, melting over a slightly clunky plot about a reclusive, deluded silent movie star who ensnares a young writer called Joe, so he can polish her comeback screenplay. Over the course of two-and-a-half hours she loses her marbles, and he loses his life.
'Director Jamie Lloyd, who's been toiling at his stripped-back and moody style of revival for years, has finally hit the sweet spot. No lavish costumes, no intricate set. Just live camera work, a ferociously big star, and an even bigger band.
'The lighting is almost exclusively bright white, which designer Jack Knowles harnesses in the most magical way. It pulsates, hides and reveals, using the thick stage mist.
'Dominating the view, though, is an enormous screen, giving us haunting, live close-up shots of the actors in front of us... melodramatic glances, fluttering lashes and big bulbous tears. Scherzinger even delivers a pouty over-the-shoulder look right down the barrel.
![Green with envy: Sheila Atim stunned in a ultra stylish Emilia Wickstead jumpsuit](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995467-12768189-Green_with_envy_Sheila_Atim_stunned_in_a_ultra_stylish_Emilia_Wi-a-92_1700426039216.jpg)
Green with envy: Sheila Atim stunned in a ultra stylish Emilia Wickstead jumpsuit
![Figure: The outfit featured cut outs at her svelte waist](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995461-12768189-Figure_The_outfit_featured_cut_outs_at_her_svelte_waist-a-93_1700426039224.jpg)
Figure: The outfit featured cut outs at her svelte waist
![Twirl! Never one to dissapoint in the fashion stakes Billy Porter wore a dramatic black skirt](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995469-12768189-Twirl_Never_one_to_dissapoint_in_the_fashion_stakes_Billy_Porter-a-95_1700426039240.jpg)
![Twirl! Never one to dissapoint in the fashion stakes Billy Porter wore a dramatic black skirt](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995471-12768189-Twirl_Never_one_to_dissapoint_in_the_fashion_stakes_Billy_Porter-a-99_1700426039370.jpg)
Twirl! Never one to disappoint in the fashion stakes Billy Porter wore a dramatic black skirt
![Sequin city: David Tennant dressed to impress in a heavily embellished black suit](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995463-12768189-Sequin_city_David_Tennant_dressed_to_impress_in_a_heavily_embell-a-96_1700426039313.jpg)
Sequin city: David Tennant dressed to impress in a heavily embellished black suit
![Quirky: He adorned his black sweater with a selection of silver broaches](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995465-12768189-Quirky_He_adorned_his_black_sweater_with_a_selection_of_silver_b-a-97_1700426039320.jpg)
Quirky: He adorned his black sweater with a selection of silver broaches
![Jake Sheers](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995475-12768189-Jake_Sheers-a-98_1700426039332.jpg)
![Daniel Mays](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995485-12768189-Daniel_Mays-a-100_1700426039385.jpg)
![Evgeny Lebedev](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995481-12768189-Evgeny_Lebedev-a-101_1700426040022.jpg)
Here come the boy: (L-R) Jake Sheers, Daniel Mays, Evgeny Lebedev
![Say Cheese: Director Sam Mendes (R) was joined by wife Alison Balsom (L)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77995897-12768189-Say_Cheese_Director_Sam_Mendes_R_was_joined_by_wife_Alison_Balso-a-102_1700426040022.jpg)
Say Cheese: Director Sam Mendes (R) was joined by wife Alison Balsom (L)
![Dapper: The director wore a smart black tuxedo while his wife opted for a plunging gown](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003523-12768189-image-a-260_1700439262791.jpg)
Dapper: The director wore a smart black tuxedo while his wife opted for a plunging gown
![Talent: ActressesPatsy Ferran....](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003501-12768189-image-m-270_1700439330950.jpg)
![Kate Fleetwood....](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003519-12768189-image-a-271_1700439338121.jpg)
![and Tanya Reynolds were all dressed to impress](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003527-12768189-image-a-272_1700439338122.jpg)
Talent: Actresses (L-R) Patsy Ferran, Kate Fleetwood and Tanya Reynolds were all dressed to impress
'It's a perfect marriage of psychological trauma and camp. Think Pinter, with a bouncy brass section and expressive dance. Or opera, if it were watchable. Norma's dramatics are put in what feels like a real world.
'Scherzinger will rightly get a low-loader full of awards, but so too should her co-star Tom Francis, as poor Joe. Both are vocally flawless. Both deftly balance the histrionic and the genuinely heartbreaking, the playful and raw.
'They take their bows dripping in fake blood and genuine, hard-earned sweat.
'Nicole Scherzinger nails it from the off. Any doubts I had about a Pussycat Doll playing Hollywood's answer to Miss Havisham were banished pronto.
'The early tune, With One Look, sees Scherzinger, as the mighty Norma Desmond, rip off her sunglasses and, in a tornado of stage haze and white-hot spotlights, roar an ear-popping showstopper.
'The room leaped to its feet. Fading pop star becomes fading film icon, to dramatic perfection! I gasped – losing a full mouthful of gin and tonic to my shirt.
![Wow: Sir Elton John (L) made a star-studded arrival at the annual ceremony alongside husband David Furnish (R)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77996643-12768189-image-a-107_1700426757230.jpg)
Wow: Sir Elton John (L) made a star-studded arrival at the annual ceremony alongside husband David Furnish (R)
![Stylish: Boy George (L) looked stylish in a vibrant black jacket as he joined Vangelis Polydorou (R) on the red carpet](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77996307-12768189-image-a-106_1700426496045.jpg)
Stylish: Boy George (L) looked stylish in a vibrant black jacket as he joined Vangelis Polydorou (R) on the red carpet
![Iconic: Elton John (L), Boy George (M) and Jake Shears (R) looked incredible as they all joined for a photo](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77996721-12768189-Iconic_Elton_John_L_Boy_George_M_and_Jake_Shears_R_looked_incred-m-110_1700426992545.jpg)
Iconic: Elton John (L), Boy George (M) and Jake Shears (R) looked incredible as they all joined for a photo
![Dinner: (L-R) Boy George, Hayley Atwell and Sir Ian McKellen](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003863-12768189-image-a-325_1700441342926.jpg)
Dinner: (L-R) Boy George, Hayley Atwell and Sir Ian McKellen
![Pals: David Tennant and Jenna Coleman sat next to one another at the dinner](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/21/77997129-12768189-image-a-113_1700427631492.jpg)
Pals: David Tennant and Jenna Coleman sat next to one another at the dinner
![Stunning: Paloma Faith posed up a storm](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/21/77997169-12768189-image-a-114_1700427695546.jpg)
Stunning: Paloma Faith posed up a storm
![SweetL Hayley Atwell and Sir Ian McKellen cosied up for a picture together](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/21/77997183-12768189-image-a-115_1700427810720.jpg)
SweetL Hayley Atwell and Sir Ian McKellen cosied up for a picture together
![Dapper: Tom Hiddleston appeared to be in great spirits as he beamed for photographers](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77996637-12768189-image-a-112_1700427039693.jpg)
Dapper: Tom Hiddleston appeared to be in great spirits as he beamed for photographers
![Star: Strictly's Layton Williams put on a dapper display as he sported a metallic silver suit with stylish white heeled boots](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/77996279-12768189-Star_Strictly_s_Layton_Williams_put_on_a_dapper_display_as_he_sp-m-275_1700439490641.jpg)
![Star: Strictly's Layton Williams put on a dapper display as he sported a metallic silver suit with stylish white heeled boots](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003515-12768189-Star_Strictly_s_Layton_Williams_put_on_a_dapper_display_as_he_sp-a-276_1700439495361.jpg)
Star: Strictly's Layton Williams put on a dapper display as he sported a metallic silver suit with stylish white heeled boots
![Stylish: The Everybody's Talking About Jamie star accessorised with a snake-skin clutch bag and dangling silver earrings](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/21/77997347-12768189-image-a-116_1700428064441.jpg)
Stylish: The Everybody's Talking About Jamie star accessorised with a snake-skin clutch bag and dangling silver earrings
![Perfection: Billy Porter (L) and Paloma Faith (R) excluded glamour at the annual ceremony](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/77997443-12768189-Perfection_Billy_Porter_L_and_Paloma_Faith_R_excluded_glamour_at-m-280_1700439667254.jpg)
![Perfection: Billy Porter (L) and Paloma Faith (R) excluded glamour at the annual ceremony](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003507-12768189-image-a-281_1700439671473.jpg)
Perfection: Billy Porter (L) and Paloma Faith (R) excluded glamour at the annual ceremony
![Trio: Rosa Robson, Paapa Essiedu and Anoushka Lucas (L-R) were all smiles as they mingled with fellow friends from the industry](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/21/77997441-12768189-image-a-117_1700428204301.jpg)
Trio: Rosa Robson, Paapa Essiedu and Anoushka Lucas (L-R) were all smiles as they mingled with fellow friends from the industry
![Chic: Tuppence Middleton was the epitome of sophistication in plunging black cocktail dress](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003511-12768189-image-a-277_1700439571149.jpg)
Chic: Tuppence Middleton was the epitome of sophistication in plunging black cocktail dress
![Glamorous: Director Rebecca Frecknall slipped into a chic metallic maxi dress, teamed with a stylish black clutch bag](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/21/77997525-12768189-image-a-119_1700428471236.jpg)
Glamorous: Director Rebecca Frecknall slipped into a chic metallic maxi dress, teamed with a stylish black clutch bag
![Pop Icon: Boy George (R) cut a very quirky figure alongside Vangelis Polydorou a (L)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/20/00/78003513-12768189-image-a-282_1700439749666.jpg)
Pop Icon: Boy George (R) cut a very quirky figure alongside Vangelis Polydorou a (L)
![Dapper: Sex Education star Asa Butterfield looked handsome in a grey tuxedo and white trainers](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/19/20/77996299-12768189-image-a-103_1700426485036.jpg)
Dapper: Sex Education star Asa Butterfield looked handsome in a grey tuxedo and white trainers