Edmond was Branagh's first theatre role in 11 years

Branagh's role in the National Theatre's Edmond - which saw him strip naked on stage - sees him shortlisted for best actor.

Mitchell, best known as Alf Garnett, is nominated for The Price, while Michael Sheen for Caligula is also a contender.

Eileen Atkins, Ann Mitchell and Sandy McDade compete for best actress.

Atkins was nominated for her performance in the National Theatre's Honour, while Mitchell is recognised for her role in Through the Leaves at the Southwark Playhouse.

The final best actress nominee, McDade, has been shortlisted for prison drama Iron at the Royal Court.

The awards will be handed out at a ceremony at London's Savoy Hotel beginning at 1300 GMT.

Three titles have been nominated in the best play category: After Mrs Rochester at the Lyric Hammersmith, Democracy at the National Theatre and Fallout from the Royal Court.

Promising

The widely acclaimed Jerry Springer the Opera, which has just transferred from the National Theatre to the larger Cambridge Theatre, is nominated for best musical.

It competes with Anything Goes at the Theatre Royal and the Young Vic production of Simply Heavenly.

The best director shortlist includes Michael Blakemore for Democracy (National Theatre), Simon McBurney for Elephant Vanishes (Barbican), and Polly Teale for After Mrs Rochester (Lyric Hammersmith).

Casualty actor and Celebrity Fame Academy contestant Kwame Kwei-Armah has been nominated for most promising playwright for his National Theatre debut Elmina's Kitchen.

Owen McCafferty for Scenes From The Big Picture (National Theatre) and Lucy Prebble for The Sugar Syndrome are also named in the most promising playwright category.