1) Jan Spiers as Beatrice in The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the Moon Marigolds, Maskers Theatre Company: Dominating, terrifying but lonely.

2) Christine English, La Marquise de Merteuil in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, RAODS: Telling interpretation.

3) Julia Allen as Freda Jefferies in Murder Mistaken, Waterside Theatre Company: Energy and depth.

4) Eileen Spratt as Lillian Mallin in The Militants, The Dalian Players: Strong character.

5) Rachel O'Neil as Ursula Loyer in Vincent in Brixton, Chesil Theatre: Sympathetic.