The annual Laurence Olivier Awards celebrates the very best of British Theatre and is right up there with the BAFTAs and BRITs for level of recognition. Here’s what stood out for us at the 2024 ceremony.
Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Sunset Boulevard was a tour de force on the night, sweeping the awards with a total of seven wins. These included Best Actor in a Musical (Tom Francis), Best Actress in a Musical (Nicole Scherzinger), Best Musical Revival, and Outstanding Musical Contribution (Alan Williams).
This particular production kicks off our list of memorable moments from the night…
1. Tom Francis performing Sunset Boulevard
Tom Francis’s spine-tingling live performance started outside the Royal Albert Hall. He sang intensely into the camera before striding into the building, through the crowded audience, and ending up on stage for the final bars. It was a masterpiece of one-shot camera work, precision timing and incredible musical talent. Watch it here, and prepare yourself for goosebumps.
2. Operation Mincemeat’s rise to success
A fast-paced, gag-packed, almost unbelievable (yet true) story set in World War II, Operation Mincemeat finally got the recognition it deserved after starting at the Fringe seven years ago and making it to the West End in 2023. The show won two awards, Best New Musical and Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical (Jak Malone). See one of the songs, Born to Lead, performed at the Olivier Awards.
3. Hannah Waddingham opening the ceremony
The host of the Olivier Awards, Hannah Waddingham, showed off her brilliant vocal range during the opening performance with her rendition of Anything Goes. Waddingham is best known for her role as the owner of AFC Richmond in the Apple+ TV show Ted Lass. She’s also appeared in several West End shows, including Into the Woods and The Wizard of Oz and has previously received three Olivier Award nominations for her work.
4. Success for Sarah Snook
Succession star Sarah Snook pipped Sarah Jessica Parker to the post for Best Actress for her dynamic take on The Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde). In this game-changing production, which also won Best Costume Design, Snook plays all 26 roles.
5. Amy Trigg making history
Essex-based actor and writer Amy Trigg made history by winning Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for Agnes in The Little Big Things. As a disabled person, Trigg’s win is a significant milestone, making her the first wheelchair user to win in this category and the second in history to win an Olivier Award. A momentous step forward for theatre accessibility and underrepresented talent.
See the complete list of 2024 Olivier Awards winners here. Like this article? Sign up for our newsletter below to get notified when we publish future articles about arts and culture. You may also like our roundup of performing arts podcasts that’ll take centre stage in your playlist and our performing arts resources for creative entrepreneurs.