Critics hand Izzard best actor award

Eddie Izzard has won one of New York's top theatre honours.

The comic has been named the most outstanding actor in a play for his Broadway debut in A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg at the Drama Desk awards

Last night's triumph bodes well for the even more prestigious Tonys, to be handed out next week, as these prizes are seen as signifcant indicators.

A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg had also been nominated for the most outstanding revival, but lost out to Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night.

The stage version of John Walter's cult film Hairspray was the biggest winner, picking up ten awards.

The Drama Desk awards, handed out by critics, claims to be the only organisation that honours all areas of New York theatre, not just Broadway.

Published: 19 May 2003