The Society of London Theatre presents the Laurence Olivier Awards, popularly known as the Olivier Awards, each year to celebrate brilliance in London's professional theatre in a special event held in the city. The awards were first called the Society of West End Theatre Awards, but in 1984 they were renamed in honour of the British performer of the same name.
Olivier award winners may be in a variety of categories, including plays, musicals, dance, opera, and affiliate theatre, presented to professionals who work at leading non-commercial theatres in London and the West End. Each year, they also grant a Special Olivier Award that is non-competitive and discretionary.
The Society of West End Theatre Awards were created by artist Tom Merrifield and launched by the Society of London Theatre in 1976. The first ceremony took place at the Café Royal in December 1976. The Laurence Olivier Awards were established in 1984 after British actor Laurence Olivier agreed to have them renamed in his honour. Since its inception, Olivier awards have been synonymous with excellence in theatre, and Olivier award winners, synonymous with talent.
The Olivier Awards, which are comparable to the BAFTA Awards for cinema and television and the BRIT Awards for music, are acknowledged internationally as the highest honour in British theatre. The Olivier Awards are compared to the Molière Award in France and the Tony Awards on Broadway. This is why Olivier award winners are considered some of the best in the industry.
There are numerous shows playing in London's West End that are Olivier award winners this year. These are shows which have won both prestige and popularity. This year's Olivier award winners include an impressive and eclectic blend of the best that London theatres have to offer. Any show becoming an Olivier award winner is a mark of it being an outstanding production. Check out our curated collection of Olivier Award winners that you can book right now in the West End. Book now and enjoy the best the West End has to offer.
Olivier award winners of 2023 were announced on the 2nd of April, 2023. The Society of London Theatre honoured the occasion at a prestigious event held at the Royal Albert Hall. Winners were revealed, nominees were praised, and theatre as a whole was honoured. There were several excellent performances.
This year’s Olivier award winners are the actors who delivered outstanding performances in some of the most exceptional shows West End has ever hosted. Olivier award winners of 2023 include the likes of Katie Brayben, Arthur Darvill, Zubin Varla, Beverley Knight, Anjana Vasan, Paul Mescal, Jodie Comer and Will Keen.
There have been tons of well-known actors who were nominated and eventually became Olivier award winners, some even multiple times. These are some of the best performers that the entertainment industry has to offer. Olivier award winners in the past have included famous names, such as Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Helen Mirren, Joan Plowright, Judi Dench, Eddie Redmayne, Jonathan Pryce, Fiona Shaw, Billie Piper, Tom Hiddleston, Imelda Staunton, Julie Walters, Rachel Weisz, Jane Krakowski, Frances de la Tour, Michael Gambon, Patrick Stewart, Indira Varma, Vanessa Redgrave, Andrew Scott, Mark Strong, Angela Lansbury, Juliet Stevenson, Toby Jones to name a few.
Every year, there are a number of shows which win in different categories and the Olivier award winners this year are no exception. These shows are chosen as the best from the nominations in each type of show. You can watch the Best New Play or the Best Revival, Best New Opera production to Best New Dance Production. Take your loved ones to the Best Family Show or your date to Best Entertainment or Comedy Play. Musical theatre aficionados can choose to witness the Best New Musical or Best Musical Revival. If you want to look beyond the West End, you might want to try the Olivier award winners for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre. This award also covers performances in smaller spaces or by junior companies that take place in conventional West End theatres.
The Society of London Theatre presents the Laurence Olivier Awards, popularly known as the Olivier Awards, each year to celebrate brilliance in London's professional theatre in a special event held in the city.
Yes, absolutely! You can book your tickets to Olivier Award winning shows online for a hassle-free experience.
Numerous amazing shows have won Olivier Awards this year. Check out the entire list of Olivier Award Winners and catch them now!
A Streetcar Named Desire, Newsies, Oklahoma!, and Patriots are some Olivier Award winners that are still running in London.
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