The Ian Charleson Award is a British theatrical award that rewards the best classical stage performance in Britain by an actor under age 30. The award's current definition of a classical play is one written before 1918. The Ian Charleson Award is named in memory of the renowned British actor Ian Charleson, and is run by the Sunday Times newspaper and the National Theatre. The award was established in 1990 after Charleson's death, and has been presented annually since then. Recipients receive a cash prize.