Olivier Awards: everything you need to know about the British theatre awards

The Laurence Olivier Awards take place in London every year and celebrate the best shows and actors in the theatre world. Where does the ceremony come from? What are the different award categories? This article will shed some light on this annual event which is one of the highlights of musical theatre in London.

What are the Olivier Awards?

These are the most important and prestigious awards in British theatre. They're the equivalent of BAFTA Awards for film and television and Tony Awards for Broadway.

The origin of the Laurence Olivier Awards

The Olivier Awards were created by the Society of London Theatre in 1976, an organisation which has overseen London theatres since 1908. Its purpose is to manage the ceremony, protect the interests of its theatres and more. Originally called the Society of West End Theatre Awards, these awards were then renamed the Olivier Awards in honour of the celebrated British actor Laurence Olivier in 1984. He was known for his immense talent on the stage and screen.

Who are the Olivier Awards for?

The Olivier Awards exist to recognise not just musicals but also includes plays, ballets, and operas. There can be many nominees who come from very different shows.

What categories are there?

There are four categories at the Olivier Awards: theatre, opera, dance and affiliated theatres. The theatre section is grouped into dramatic plays and musicals. Five anonymous specialists judge the selected pieces, with four other people evaluating plays, and four for musicals. The selected shows must have been performed at least 30 times in a theatre which is a member of the Society of London Theatre and have opened between 16 February of the year before and 15 February this year.

What are the musical awards?

There are eight Olivier Awards for musicals :

• Best New Musical
• Best Musical Revive
• Best Actor in a Musical
• Best Actress in a Musical
• Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical
• Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical
• Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical
• Outstanding Achievement in Music

What happens at the Olivier Awards ceremony?

Throughout its history, the ceremony has been held at various theatres, including the Royal Opera House between 2012 and 2016 and the Royal Albert Hall in 2017. It starts with stars arriving on the red carpet, hosted by presenters. Then they announce the winners of the Olivier Awards, interspersed with performances from various shows.

Anecdotes

• Matilda is the musical with the most Olivier Awards: seven in 2012.
• Guys and Dolls received five Olivier Awards in 1982. This is closely followed by Gypsy, The Book of Mormon, Hairspray, Billy Elliot, Carousel and Oklahoma, which have won four.
• The three actors in Billy Elliot and four singers in Matilda shared their Olivier Awards when they were nominated in 2006 and 2012.
• Michael Ball and Bertie Carvel have both won Olivier Awards by playing roles of the opposite gender in Hairspray and Matilda.