The nominations for the Olivier Awards 2025 with Mastercard have arrived, and they spotlight one clear frontrunner: Fiddler on the Roof. This beloved musical revival boasts 13 nominations, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling awards season.
Taking place on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, the evening will be hosted by stars Beverley Knight and Billy Porter. A highlights package of the ceremony is expected to air on ITV and Magic Radio the same evening, allowing fans to catch all the excitement.
Fiddler on the Roof, under the direction of Jordan Fein, is competing fiercely for the Piper-Heidsieck Award for Best Musical Revival. The production, which will also return to the Barbican Theatre later this year, is up against esteemed companies such as Hello, Dolly!, Cameron Mackintosh’s reconceived Oliver!, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express.
This year's nominations reflect the vibrancy of London's theatre scene. The Mastercard Best New Musical nominees include The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, based on the story by F. Scott Fitzgerald; MJ The Musical, which chronicles Michael Jackson's life; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812, known for its innovative staging; and Why Am I So Single?, which presents amusing explorations of modern relationships.
Fiddler on the Roof’s 13 notable nominations include Best Director (Jordan Fein), Best Musical Revival, and individual acting nominations for Adam Dannheisser as Best Actor, along with Lara Pulver, Raphael Papo, Liv Andrusier, and Beverley Klein for various acting categories. The production has also received technical recognition, with nominations for Best Lighting Design (Aideen Malone), Best Theatre Choreographer (Julia Cheng), Best Sound Design (Nick Lidster), and Outstanding Musical Contribution (Mark Aspinall). Notably, Tom Scutt earned dual nominations for Best Set Design and Best Costume Design.
Other musicals receiving multiple nominations include Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812, which follows with six, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Oliver! each boasting four nominations. Matthew Bourne celebrates his 14th nomination, which is quite the feat, for Best Theatre Choreographer, particularly for his noted work on Oliver!
Lighting designer Paule Constable achieved her 17th nomination for her spectacular work on Oliver!, sharing the spotlight alongside Ben Jacobs. Her impressive track record includes multiple previous wins, establishing her as one of the key figures in theatrical lighting.
The competition extends beyond musicals. This year's plays have also carved out their space with Giant and The Years, each tied for five nominations, showcasing the diverse and rich narratives staged throughout London's theatres.
Among other celebrated performances, the Best Actor category features distinguished names such as John Dagleish (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Myles Frost (MJ The Musical), Simon Lipkin (Oliver!), and Jamie Muscato (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812). The illustrious Adrien Brody, fresh off his Oscar win, made his debut with his nomination for Best Actor for The Fear Of 13.
The Best Actress category is equally competitive, showcasing Chumisa Dornford-May (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812), Lauren Drew (Titanique), Clare Foster (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Lara Pulver (Fiddler on the Roof), and the celebrated Imelda Staunton (Hello, Dolly!). Staunton's nomination marks her fourteenth, alongside her impressive history of awards.
The Olivier Awards are not just about musicals. The nominees for the Noël Coward Award for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play include exciting works like Ballet Shoes, Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright, Spirited Away, and Titanique, reflecting the ingenuity of the current theatre generation.
This year's awards will highlight the most significant achievements in theatre, with categories recognizing best set design, choreography, lighting, and overall production contributions. Public tickets for the Olivier Awards 2025 are available exclusively for Mastercard cardholders, facilitating broader engagement with the prestigious event.
With the nominations now out, the anticipation surrounding the ceremony is palpable. Artists and audiences alike will unite to honor outstanding contributions across diverse categories, celebrating the vitality and creativity of the theatre community. This year's Olivier Awards not only promise entertainment but also aim to spotlight the transformative power of live theatre, pushing creative boundaries and nurturing diverse storytelling.
Stay tuned as the performers and productions vying for these prestigious accolades prepare to take the stage on April 6.