The
Ian Charleson Awards are theatrical awards that reward the best classical stage performances in Britain by actors under age 30. The awards are named in memory of the renowned British actor
Ian Charleson, and are run by the
Sunday Times newspaper and the
National Theatre. The awards were established in 1990 after Charleson's death, and have been awarded annually since then.
Sunday Times theatre critic
John Peter initiated the creation of the awards, particularly in memory of Charleson's extraordinary Hamlet, which he had performed shortly before his death. Recipients receive a cash prize, as do runners-up and third-place winners.