The Olivier Awards returned to the BBC for the first time in 23 years on Sunday to celebrate the very best of London’s world-class theatre at Royal Albert Hall
Nick Mohammed presented the Olivier Awards from the Royal Albert Hall (Image: BBC)
The Olivier Awards has returned in spectacular fashion for its 50th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall.
The finest of London’s world-renowned theatre productions were honoured during Sunday’s (April 12) ceremony.
The glittering ceremony returned to the BBC for the first time in 23 years on BBC Two, while Jo Whiley entertained radio audiences with backstage conversations featuring the stunning line-up on BBC Radio 2.
Standout moments from the magnificent evening of theatre included performances by this year’s nominees, including Paddington The Musical, Into the Woods, and Evita.
Audiences were also treated to breathtaking celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of Phantom of the Opera and the 20th anniversary of Wicked.
Within minutes of the programme beginning, fans rushed to X (formerly Twitter) to express their excitement that the prestigious award ceremony was returning to the broadcaster online.
One viewer wrote: “Currently watching the Olivier Awards 2026 on BBC Two right now. Great acceptance award speeches about making sure that there are still charities to fund talented and new individuals through the acting door, in particular, the next generation.”
Another enthused: “Olivier Awards on the BBC starting strong. Performance of Phantom of the Opera, then calling in Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Helen Mirren to present the first award for Best Revival, which goes to All My Sons.” A third contributed: “The BBC really know how to do it right, don’t they. Can’t stop watching the Olivier Awards tonight!”
Dominating the evening with an impressive seven victories was heavyweight Paddington: The Musical, securing Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor/Actress in a Musical.
Evita also enjoyed major success, with Rachel Zegler taking home Best Actress in a Musical alongside the prize for Best Theatre Choreographer.
Kenrex also triumphed with Best Actor for Jack Holden and Best Sound Design, while Punch collected Best New Play and Best Actress in a Supporting role for Julie Hesmondhalgh. Additionally, Into The Woods had plenty to celebrate after securing Best Musical Revival and Best Lighting Design, reports the Express.
Meanwhile, All My Sons claimed Best Supporting Actor for Paapa Essiedu and Best Revival, while actress Rosamund Pike also secured Best Actress for Inter Alia. Elsewhere, Dame Elaine Paige received this year’s Special Award in recognition of her contribution to musical theatre.
Some of the entertainment industry’s biggest names attended the prestigious ceremony to present the coveted awards, including Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Helen Mirren, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Strictly star Johannes Radebe and Eurovision star Sam Ryder, amongst others.
The Olivier Awards can be streamed on BBC iPlayer