The prestigious 2025 Olivier Awards have been announced, recognizing excellence in London’s theater, opera, and dance industries.
The event celebrated a wide array of talent, showcasing both fresh narratives and revived classics that have graced the stage over the past year.
In the category of Best New Play, “Giant” earned the top honor, while “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was crowned Best New Musical.
For audiences seeking humor, “Titanique” was named Best New Entertainment or Comedy.
Young theatergoers were also celebrated with the Family Show award, which went to “Brainiac Live.” Among the revivals, “Oedipus” and “Fiddler on the Roof” impressed audiences, winning the Best Revival and Best Musical Revival awards respectively.
Lesley Manville took the spotlight as Best Actress for her role in “Oedipus,” while John Lithgow garnered acclaim as Best Actor for his performance in “Giant.”
In the realm of musicals, Imelda Staunton’s portrayal in “Hello, Dolly!” earned her the Best Actress accolade, and John Dagleish was recognized as Best Actor for his work in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”
Supporting performances were also honored, with Elliot Levey celebrated for his role in “Giant,” and Romola Garai recognized for “The Years.”
Additional musical performances were highlighted, including Maimuna Memon for “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812” and Layton Williams in “Titanique.” Eline Arbo’s directorial expertise shone through, earning her the Best Director award for “The Years.” The musical composition prowess of Darren Clark and Mark Aspinall for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was also distinguished as Outstanding Musical Contribution.
In choreography, Christopher Wheeldon’s work on “MJ The Musical” was a standout.
The opera scene saw “Festen” win New Opera Production, with Allan Clayton’s performance also receiving recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Opera.
In dance, “Assembly Hall” took home the prize for New Dance Production, while Eva Yerbabuena was honored for her artistic achievements with “Yerbagüena.”
Behind the scenes, awards were given for design elements that brought productions to life.
Tom Scutt received Set Design honors for “Fiddler on the Roof,” while lighting was expertly crafted by Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs in “Oliver!”
Sound design by Nick Lidster, also for “Fiddler on the Roof,” was acknowledged, alongside Gabriella Slade’s costume design work in “Starlight Express.”
Lastly, the Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theater award was bestowed upon “Boys on the Verge of Tears” at Soho Theatre, underscoring the vital contributions of smaller, innovative productions to the vibrant landscape of London’s performing arts.