The nominations for the Olivier Awards 2025 with Mastercard, celebrating the brilliance of London’s theatre, were announced, revealing a rich tapestry of talent and creativity. The ceremony is set to occur on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, marking the 40th anniversary of these prestigious awards.
This year’s event will feature hosts Beverley Knight, a celebrated Olivier and MOBO Award winner, alongside the multifaceted Billy Porter, known for his Tony, Emmy, and Grammy accolades. Their combined star power is expected to elevate the night’s celebrations. "I am so chuffed to be hosting this year’s Olivier Awards! I’m even more excited to be hosting alongside Billy Porter who is a phenomenal talent," Knight expressed, reflecting her enthusiasm for the occasion.
Porter, currently dazzling audiences in the multi-Olivier Award-winning production of Cabaret, stated, "I am thrilled and honoured to host the Olivier Awards alongside the fantastic Beverley Knight. I’m so grateful for the warm welcome from the London theatre community, and am looking forward to a magnificent evening!" Their collaboration is anticipated to bring an electric atmosphere to the awards night.
The nominations encompass a wide array of remarkable productions and delivered intense competition. A particularly noteworthy highlight was the Mastercard Best New Musical nominees: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, MJ The Musical, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, and Why Am I So Single?.
Also in the spotlight, the Piper-Heidsieck Award for Best Musical Revival nominations were led by Fiddler On The Roof, which topped the charts with 13 total nominations, alongside notable contenders such as Hello, Dolly!, Oliver!, and Starlight Express.
As for the play categories, Giant and The Years stood out with five nominations each, showcasing the depth of playwrights' talents in London. Nominees for Best Actress include Heather Agyepong, Lesley Manville, Rosie Sheehy, Meera Syal, and Indira Varma, while Adrien Brody, Billy Crudup, Paapa Essiedu, John Lithgow, and Mark Strong vie for the Best Actor title.
Public access to tickets for the event has begun, exclusively available to Mastercard cardholders via priceless.com, promising an exciting night for theatre enthusiasts. The celebration will also be broadcasted on ITV1 and ITVX, ensuring that audiences at home can partake in the glamorous affair.
Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards have consistently played a pivotal role in acknowledging theatrical excellence within the United Kingdom. They honor the best performances, productions, and contributions to the vibrant culture of London theatre. With Mastercard returning as the headline sponsor for the 15th consecutive year, their commitment to supporting the arts remains evident.
As the Olivier Awards embrace this significant milestone of 40 years, the ceremony not only represents a historic moment for participants and nominees, but also highlights the enduring vitality of the London theatre landscape. This season has witnessed a transformative array of performances and innovative interpretations, promising an unforgettable evening on April 6, 2025.
The Olivier Awards 2025 is set to pay tribute to both established names and rising stars, acknowledging the creativity that drives the industry forward. With Knight and Porter as hosts, excitement is building in anticipation of what this illustrious evening will reveal.