The Olivier Awards, the pinnacle of recognition in British theatre, are set to take place on 6 April 2025 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This prestigious event celebrates the magic of live theatre, honouring outstanding performances, visionary direction and groundbreaking productions across various categories in the West End.
The nominations for the 2025 Olivier Awards were announced on 3 March by last year’s winners, Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, who both starred in the critically acclaimed revival of Sunset Boulevard. Jamie Lloyd’s production dominated the 2024 ceremony, winning an impressive seven awards, including Best Actress for Scherzinger and Best Musical Revival. Other notable winners last year included Operation Mincemeat, Dear England and Stranger Things: The First Shadow, each securing multiple awards.
This year’s most notable productions with multiple nominations include Fiddler on the Roof with 13 nominations, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 with six nominations, as well as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Oliver! The Musical with four nominations each.
What to expect at the 2025 Olivier Awards
This year’s ceremony will take centre stage at the legendary Royal Albert Hall on 6 April, hosted by musical powerhouse Beverley Knight – winner of Best Supporting Actress in 2023 for Sylvia – alongside co-presenter Billy Porter, the Tony and Emmy-winning star currently captivating audiences as the Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, the record-breaking musical that claimed seven Olivier Awards in 2022.
The night promises plenty of surprise performances, emotional speeches and, of course, that special theatre magic that makes the Olivier Awards so unforgettable. This year, just like in previous years, we have seen many productions that truly stand out, with talented casts and creatives making the magic happen on stage. We can’t help but wonder who is going to claim the most wins and whether the night will bring any unexpected surprises. What we do know is that this year has been packed with plenty of award-worthy productions, that have left audiences in awe.
Fiddler on the Roof leads the charge
Topping the list with 13 nominations, Fiddler on the Roof is the clear frontrunner. Nominated for Best Revival, Best Director (Jordan Fein), Best Actress in a Musical (Lara Pulver), and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Adam Dannheisser), the show also grabs two nominations for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Liv Andrusier and Beverley Klein), among others.
Kyoto: powerful new drama makes waves
The RSC production Kyoto, a gripping drama about the landmark climate negotiations, has already made plenty of buzz this season and is in the running for The Londoner Award for Best New Play, with other nominees including The Fear of 13, Giant, Shifters and The Years. Giant and The Years have the most nominations, with Nicholas Hytner and Eline Arbo competing for Best Director.
It’s revival season
This season marks the return of Dickens’ timeless Oliver!, with Cameron Mackintosh’s new take earning nominations for Best Theatre Choreographer and Best Musical Revival. Limon Lipkin also receives a nod for Best Actor in a Musical. Other standout musical revivals include Hello, Dolly! – a runner-up for Best Musical Revival, with the legendary Imelda Staunton nominated for Best Actress in a Musical and Andy Nyman up for Best Actor in a Musical. Meanwhile, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s thrilling new production Starlight Express shines with nominations for Best Lighting Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Musical Revival.
Play revivals have also flourished this year, bringing some of the finest British theatre back to the stage. Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest has earned a nomination for Cunard Best Revival, with Sharon D Clarke nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Wyndham’s Theatre production of Oedipus, starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville, has also made it to the list, with both actors nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot joins them in the Cunard Best Revival category, continuing the celebration of classic theatre.
Contenders for Best New Musical
This year, the West End has been buzzing with a mix of new musicals, many of which are definite contenders for Best New Musical. Stage adaptations of Hollywood hits like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button have made a splash, earning four nominations, including Best New Musical, Outstanding Musical Contribution, and acting nods for John Dagleish (Best Actor) and Clare Foster (Best Actress). Independent productions like Titaníque have also made a bold impression, securing three nominations, including Best Actress in a Musical for Lauren Drew and Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Layton Williams.
Broadway transfers are making waves too, with MJ the Musical receiving nominations for Best New Musical and Best Choreographer, while Myles Frost is a strong contender for Best Actor in a Musical after its highly anticipated London debut.
With 26 categories up for grabs, this year’s Olivier Awards will be a true celebration of everything that makes theatre in London so special.
How to get tickets to the 2025 Olivier Award ceremony?
If you want to be there to witness all the action live, tickets are available through the official Olivier Awards website or the Royal Albert Hall’s box office. But a quick heads-up: the dress code is black tie and glamorous, so you’ll need to bring your A-game. Ticket holders who do not comply with the dress code won’t be allowed entry.
Attending the Olivier Awards is a dream for any theatre lover, with a glittering crowd, surprise guests and incredible performances throughout the night. While the complete lineup for the evening has not been released yet, the ceremony traditionally features an opening number along with musical performances and tributes in between award presentations.
How to watch the Olivier Awards 2025
If you are not able to secure tickets for the event, don’t worry! The Olivier Awards are broadcast live on ITV1 and streamed on ITVX, so you can catch all the glitz and glamour from the comfort of your home.
Everything you need to know about the Olivier awards
How prestigious is an Olivier Award?
The Olivier Awards are the highest honour in British theatre, often compared to Broadway’s Tony Awards. Winning one is a significant achievement and shows a production or individual’s significant contribution to the industry.
What’s the difference between the Tonys and the Olivier Awards?
While the Tony Awards focus on Broadway productions in New York, the Olivier Awards celebrate excellence in London's West End and across the UK, recognising the finest theatre, opera and dance performances.
What are the requirements to be nominated for an Olivier Award?
To be in the running for an Olivier Award in 2025, new productions and revivals need to have been playing in a Society of London Theatre member theatre on the West End between 28 February 2024 and 14 February 2025. Additionally, the show must meet the minimum number of performances required for its category.
What’s the history behind the Olivier Awards?
First introduced in 1976 by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), the Olivier Awards were renamed in 1984 to honour Sir Laurence Olivier, a legendary actor, director and the founder of the National Theatre Company. This year’s ceremony marks 40 years since the ceremony was rebranded in his name. The ceremony celebrates outstanding achievements across 26 categories, from theatre and opera to dance, recognising the best of London’s West End and beyond.
Who’s the youngest person to win an Olivier Award?
Eleanor Worthington Cox holds the record as the youngest-ever winner, receiving the award at just 10 years old for playing the lead part in Matilda the Musical in 2012.
Who has won the most Olivier Awards?
The record for the most Olivier Awards won by a single production is held by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which won nine awards in 2017, including Best New Play. For musicals, Matilda the Musical, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and Hamilton share the record for the most Olivier wins, each with seven awards.
Dame Judi Dench holds the record for the actor with the most Olivier Awards, with an impressive eight wins, including four for Actress of the Year. A record yet to be beaten!