On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Olivier Awards celebrated the best of British theatre at the Royal Albert Hall in London, showcasing a dazzling array of talent and productions. Among the standout winners were Lesley Manville and John Lithgow, who took home the prestigious awards for Best Actress and Best Actor, respectively.
Lesley Manville, 69, received the Best Actress award for her powerful performance in the Greek tragedy Oedipus, staged at Wyndham's Theatre. In her acceptance speech, Manville dedicated the award to her grandson, who was born during the show's run, expressing her gratitude and joy. "I knew on day one of this play that we were on to something good," she remarked, paying tribute to her co-star Mark Strong and director Robert Icke.
John Lithgow, the 79-year-old Hollywood veteran, won Best Actor for his role as Roald Dahl in the play Giant. Lithgow described the experience as "one of the best experiences I have ever had on stage," and he expressed his heartfelt thanks to the audience for welcoming him and his wife, Mary, to England. He acknowledged the complexities of being an American in the UK at this moment, saying, "It's not always easy to welcome an American into your midst, and at this particular moment it's obviously a little more complicated than usual." This victory marked Lithgow's first Olivier Award, a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
The ceremony witnessed a tie between three productions, each winning three awards: Fiddler on the Roof, Giant, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Fiddler on the Roof, directed by Jordan Fein, won the award for Best Musical Revival, among others. The production received a record 13 nominations, matching the previous high set by Hamilton in 2018.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, was awarded Best New Musical. John Dagleish, who played the titular role, also won Best Actor in a Musical, ten years after his first Olivier win for Sunny Afternoon. Dagleish dedicated his award to his late mother, recalling how she had been his plus one during his previous win.
Other notable winners included Imelda Staunton, who received her fifth Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Hello, Dolly!. Staunton's emotional acceptance speech included a touching tribute to her late mother, stating, "Mum, I'm here at the Albert Hall, I've got a prize, but more importantly, I'm about to do a play with your granddaughter, I wish you were here."
Romola Garai, who had a remarkable night, won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in The Years, a stage adaptation of Annie Ernaux’s memoir. Interestingly, Garai was also nominated for her role in Giant, making her the first person to beat herself in this category. In her acceptance speech, she expressed her gratitude, calling the experience "the greatest privilege of my life" and praising director Eline Arbo.
In the Best Supporting Actor category, Elliot Levey won for his role in Giant, while Maimuna Memon took home the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for her performance in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.
Another highlight of the evening was the musical Titanique, which won two awards, including Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play. Layton Williams, a first-time nominee, made history by winning Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his portrayal of an iceberg. Williams humorously remarked, "If this can happen to me, a little boy from humble beginnings, it can happen to you too."
The ceremony was hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter, who opened the event with a stunning performance of "Luck Be A Lady" from Guys & Dolls. The night was filled with performances from various shows, including Les Misérables, which celebrated its 40th anniversary, and other nominated productions.
As the evening unfolded, the winners were celebrated in a vibrant atmosphere that showcased the creativity and talent of the British theatre community. The Olivier Awards, established in 1976, continue to be a significant event in the theatrical calendar, honoring the hard work and dedication of performers and creatives alike.
In total, the awards recognized a diverse range of productions and performances, with Giant, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Fiddler on the Roof leading the way with multiple accolades. The event not only highlighted the achievements of individual artists but also underscored the collaborative spirit of the theatre industry.
The Olivier Awards remain a testament to the vibrancy and resilience of theatre in the UK, providing a platform for new talent and celebrating established stars. As the curtain falls on this year's ceremony, the anticipation for next year's awards begins, promising even more exceptional performances and productions.
