Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2015: Nicole Kidman and Dominic West lead the stars assembling on the red carpet

Fans have gathered outside the Old Vic theatre to catch a glimpse of acting royalty

A roll call of stars including Ruth Wilson, Anne-Marie Duff and Dominic West stepped out to celebrate British theatre at the annual London Evening Standard Theatre Awards.

The ceremony – presented by Rob Brydon and co-hosted by Evening Standard owner Evgeny Lebedev, Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen – got underway this evening at the Old Vic.

Best actress nominee Nicole Kidman looked stunning as she put on an affectionate display with husband Keith Urban, while Dame Shirley Bassey provided the glamour as she made her grand entrance.

Stars including Gillian Anderson – who was honoured with the Best Actress accolade at last year’s ceremony – Jeremy Irvine and Gemma Chan are among those handing out the honours at the 61st ceremony.

Fans gathered outside the theatre to catch a glimpse of acting royalty from Vanessa Redgrave to Richard E Grant as they graced the red carpet alongside stars of the small screen.

Other attendees included Jessica Findlay Brown, Jim Carter, Kelly Brooke, Pixie Lott and Joely Richardson.

Ralph Fiennes will compete for the coveted Best Actor Award with Simon Russell Beale, Kenneth Cranham and James McAvoy, while Kidman, Lia Williams, Denise Gough and Gugu Mbatha-Raw will compete for Best Actress.