The national search to find the best undiscovered theatre critic has come to an end.
Led by industry paper The Stage in association with ticket web site TheatrePeople.com, the search saw regional winners, narrowed down to three finalists, from which 31-year-old Scottish playwright, illustrator and theatre critic Dave Fargnoli emerged as the winner.
Fargnoli will receive £1,000 prize money as well as the opportunity to review regularly for The Stage.
The Critic Search judges were Sheffield Theatres artistic director Daniel Evans, The Stage lead critics Mark Shenton and Natasha Tripney and actors Cush Jumbo and Stephanie Street.
The Stage editor Alistair Smith chaired the panel, who were so impressed with the work of the runners up, Jafar Iqbal and Lee Anderson, that they too will be offered some reviewing work.
Reviews of The Vote, Constellations and The Red Lion bagged Dave Fargnoli the prize. These and the work of the other finalists may be read online.