The presence of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and London Mayor Boris Johnson prompted some attendees to make the case for theatre in the face of huge arts cuts.

"Our theatre is in rude health," said Lewis, "Our productions travel the world, putting the best of our culture on display and reaching out to people all over the planet.Great theatre really is one of this country's finest exports."

Damian Lewis Helen McCroryDamian Lewis [L] and Helen McCrory [R] At The London Evening Standard Awards

"Theatre is such an important part of British history and British culture," said Dame Helen Mirren. "It's something we should all be very proud of.It is genuinely recognised all over the world as the best in the world."

Former Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens was a little more direct, saying, "In a climate in which the government seems to ban even peaceful protests, we may need theatre more than ever to question authority, to interrogate the status quo and to remember the human stories behind the red tape and the barbed wire."

Andrew Lloyd-Webber insisted that it wasn't just the government's responsibility to safeguard theatre's future.

"The thing I passionately believe we all must do is give something back," said the composer. "It can't just be the government - it's got to be us as well".

See all our pictures from the London Evening Standard Awards.

Simon Le Bon Amber Le BonSimon Le Bon [L] and Amber Le Bon [R] At The Evening Standard Awards

Hugh Grant
Hey, it's Hugh Grant!

Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren Was The Big Winner At The Evening Standard Awards

Tom Hiddleston
Man of the Moment, Tom Hiddleston, At The London Evening Standard Awards