Olivier Award – the UK’s biggest theatre prize
If you love live drama, the Olivier Award is the name you’ll hear most often. It’s the British equivalent of the Tony Awards, celebrating the best productions, actors and creatives on the London stage. Winning an Olivier can turn a small play into a long‑running hit, and it gives audiences a quick way to spot quality shows.
History of the Olivier Awards
The awards began in 1976 as the Society of West End Theatre Awards. In 1984 they were renamed after Sir Laurence Olivier, one of the country’s most respected actors. Since then the ceremony has grown into a glittering gala watched by theatre fans worldwide. Categories cover everything from Best New Play and Best Musical to Best Set Design and Emerging Talent.
Over the years the Olivier has highlighted groundbreaking work. Think of Matilda the Musical in 2012, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in 2017, and the diverse revivals of classics like King Lear. Each winner adds to the legacy of British theatre and often sparks tours across the globe.
How to watch and support the winners
Want to see the ceremony live? It’s usually streamed on the official Olivier Awards website and on major UK broadcasters like the BBC. For a more immersive experience, many theatres host post‑award talk‑backs where winners discuss their craft. Check the listings of West End venues – places like the Royal Court, the National Theatre and the Old Vic often showcase recent award‑winning productions.
If you can’t get a ticket right away, keep an eye on the “Olivier Live” channel on social media. They post behind‑the‑scenes clips, acceptance speeches and short interviews with nominees. Following these updates helps you stay in the loop and decide which shows to book next.
For newcomers, start with the categories that match your interests. Love music? Look at Best Musical and Best Original Score. Prefer gripping drama? Check out Best New Play and Best Actor. The award lists are a handy shortcut to the most talked‑about productions of the season.
Finally, support the theatre community by buying tickets early, sharing your experiences online, and spreading the word about up‑and‑coming talent. The more you engage, the stronger the stage scene becomes, and the more chances there are for future Olivier winners to shine.
So whether you’re a seasoned London‑theatre fan or just curious about what makes a show award‑winning, the Olivier Award offers a clear guide. Keep an eye on the nominees, watch the ceremony, and dive into the performances that earn the highest praise. That’s the best way to enjoy top‑quality drama right now.
Kieran Lockhart, May, 13 2025
Layton Williams snagged the 2025 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical as the iceberg in the eccentric hit 'Titanique.' While the show's humor split audiences, it also took home Best Entertainment or Comedy Play. Williams, known for 'Billy Elliot' and 'Cabaret,' now has his sights set on judging Strictly Come Dancing.
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