The winners of this year’s Olivier Awards with Mastercard were revealed at a star-studded ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter.
With three wins each, the ceremony’s most awarded shows were The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Fiddler On The Roof and Giant. Other productions with multiple wins were Oedipus (Wyndham’s Theatre), Titanique, The Years, and The Royal Opera’s Festen, each with two wins apiece.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical went to @LaytonWilliams for @titaniquemusical THREE @olivierawards
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Best New Play: Giant by Mark Rosenblatt
Giant is a contemporary drama that examines themes of power, ambition, and identity through the lens of larger-than-life characters in a compelling narrative. The play, set in a world where personal and professional stakes collide, portrays the complex dynamics of its central figures against a vast and transformative backdrop.
Best New Musical: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
This musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story follows the life of Benjamin Button, a man who ages in reverse. The production blends a stunning score with visual storytelling to depict Benjamin’s unique and poignant journey through life, love, and loss as he experiences the world in a way unlike anyone else.
Best Revival: Oedipus
This revival of the classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles reimagines the story of Oedipus, the king who seeks to rid his land of a plague, only to discover his own tragic fate. The production emphasizes the timeless themes of fate, guilt, and the search for truth, presenting the story in a stark, contemporary light.
Best Musical Revival: Fiddler on the Roof
The revival of this iconic musical tells the story of Tevye, a Jewish milkman in early 20th-century Russia, and his struggle to maintain his family’s traditions amidst societal changes. Featuring memorable songs like “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” this production brings fresh energy to a beloved classic, while honoring its deep emotional core.
Best Actor in a Play: John Lithgow for Giant
John Lithgow plays a central character in Giant, where he portrays a larger-than-life figure in the world of politics and business. His character navigates a world of power and consequences, and Lithgow’s performance showcases the character’s complex emotional journey.
Best Actress in a Play: Lesley Manville for Oedipus
Lesley Manville stars as Jocasta in Oedipus, the wife of the titular king, whose fate is intertwined with the tragic events that unfold. Her performance brings a deeply emotional and grounded interpretation to the role, capturing the essence of Jocasta’s struggle between hope and despair.
Best Actor in a Musical: John Dagleish for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
In The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, John Dagleish plays the titular role of Benjamin Button, a man who ages backward. The production tracks his transformative journey through life, and Dagleish’s portrayal of Benjamin captures the character’s emotional depth and evolving nature.
Best Actress in a Musical: Imelda Staunton for Hello, Dolly!
Imelda Staunton stars as Dolly Levi in this vibrant production of the classic musical Hello, Dolly!. Her portrayal of the charming, witty, and lovable matchmaker is a standout, bringing both humor and heart to the iconic role.
Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Elliot Levey for Giant
Elliot Levey appears in a supporting role in Giant, where his character interacts with the central figures in a world driven by ambition and power. His performance contributes to the intricate dynamic between the characters, providing emotional depth and a sense of humanity within the complex political landscape.
Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Romola Garai for The Years
Romola Garai plays a pivotal role in The Years, a contemporary play that spans multiple generations. Her character grapples with the changing social landscape, and Garai’s portrayal captures the evolving nature of her character’s personal and emotional journey through time.
Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Layton Williams for Titanique
Layton Williams plays a key role in Titanique, a musical that tells the story of the Titanic disaster with humor and high energy. His performance stands out for its charisma, energy, and comedic timing, adding depth to the fun and spectacle of the show.
Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Liv Andrusier for Fiddler on the Roof
In Fiddler on the Roof, Liv Andrusier plays Tzeitel, Tevye’s eldest daughter. Her performance is integral to the story as her character navigates the tensions between love, tradition, and family in the face of societal change. Andrusier’s portrayal adds emotional weight to the production.
Best Director: Eline Arbo for The Years
Eline Arbo directed The Years, a play that explores the generational shifts in society and personal identity. Her direction of the production brought together multiple timelines and perspectives, creating a nuanced and layered exploration of the passing of time and the evolving nature of history and memory.
Best Set Design: Tom Scutt for Fiddler on the Roof
Tom Scutt’s set design for Fiddler on the Roof visually transports audiences to a Jewish village in early 20th-century Russia. The design effectively captures the intimate, familial nature of the story while also highlighting the broader political and social forces at play in the characters’ lives.
Best Sound Design: Nick Lidster for Fiddler on the Roof
Nick Lidster’s sound design in Fiddler on the Roof enhances the production’s emotional resonance. From the sweeping orchestral score to the smaller, intimate moments of the show, the sound design underscores the play’s themes of tradition, family, and upheaval, adding depth to the overall experience.
Outstanding Achievement in Opera: Allan Clayton for his performance in Festen
Allan Clayton’s performance in Festen, an operatic adaptation of the Danish film The Celebration, was lauded for its vocal power and emotional intensity. His portrayal of the complex family dynamics within the opera added a profound layer to the adaptation, capturing the raw emotions of the story.
Best New Dance Production: Assembly Hall by Kidd Pivot
Assembly Hall is a contemporary dance production by Kidd Pivot, blending elements of physical theater and abstract movement. The performance takes audiences through a series of vivid and striking visual and emotional experiences, with powerful choreography that explores themes of community, identity, and transformation.
Best Family Show: Brainiac Live
Brainiac Live is an interactive and educational science show designed for young audiences. Featuring a combination of live experiments, humor, and hands-on engagement, the show makes science fun and accessible, offering an entertaining and educational experience for families.
Best Entertainment or Comedy Play: Titanique
Titanique is a comedic musical that reimagines the tragic story of the Titanic disaster with humor, pop music, and over-the-top performances. The production combines campy moments with heartwarming storytelling, creating a fun and engaging theatrical experience that appeals to a broad audience.
