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
Bethany Whittingham and Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
22:42, 12 Apr 2026Updated 22:44, 12 Apr 2026
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.
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.
With European markets reopening after the Easter holidays, investors are set to navigate a mix of geopolitical risks and crucial economic data that may shape sentiment over the coming week.
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Attention will focus on Iran’s response to US President Donald Trump’s deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies. Any escalation or de-escalation could quickly affect energy markets, driving oil prices and inflation expectations.
Beyond geopolitics, inflation data, central bank signals and corporate updates will also draw attention as markets gauge the outlook for the second quarter.
Economic data in focus
The macroeconomic calendar kicks off on Tuesday with the release of eurozone PMI data, a key leading indicator of economic activity. Recent readings have pointed to slowing growth in the bloc, with the composite PMI signalling only marginal expansion amid softening demand and heightened uncertainty.
On Wednesday, investors will examine the latest eurozone retail sales and industrial producer price figures from Eurostat. These will shed light on consumer demand and upstream inflation pressures.
The European data schedule remains relatively light but still significant. Euro area financial accounts will provide additional detail on lending trends, while UK markets stay attuned to labour market and growth signals following recent signs of stagnation.
Focus then shifts to the US, with the release of the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting minutes on Wednesday. These will be scrutinised for hints on policymakers’ views regarding the timing of any potential rate cuts.
Thursday brings key US labour data, including weekly jobless claims, offering further insight into employment conditions.
The week ends with the US consumer price index for March, including the closely watched core CPI reading. A stronger-than-expected figure could dampen hopes for policy easing and spark volatility in global markets, including Europe.
On the corporate side in Europe, activity is limited, although Raiffeisen Bank International’s annual general meeting on Thursday will be watched for any signals on banking sector health and regional credit conditions.
Some people prefer a laid back comedy, while others look for a psychological thriller that keeps them on the edge of their seats – but these 10 shows are tried and tested
Abigail Nicholson Content Editor
10:59, 27 Mar 2026
The Good Place(Image: Daily Mirror)
When it comes to watching TV, everyone has different opinions on what they like to watch. Some people prefer a laid back comedy, while others look for a psychological thriller that keeps them on the edge of their seats.
But there are some cult classics that hundreds of thousands of people watch, and rewatch, that bring joy, excitement and nostalgia. One Reddit user posed in the R/AskReddit community to ask members what their favourite TV show of all time was.
The post said: “What’s a TV series you’ll never get tired of recommending to someone?” Hundereds of people were quick to hail their 10 favourite TV shows, with some being aired for the first time in 2002.
1. The Wire, 2002
The Wire was aired on HBO between 2002 and 2008 and looks at the narcotics scene in Baltimore through the eyes of police, as well as the drug dealers and users.
The show was created by former police reporter David Simon, who also wrote many of the episodes, and has a huge 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One person commented: “I was advocating for someone I know to watch it about four hours ago. I had to share, to someone who works in a bureaucracy, the line ‘There you go Jimmy…Givin’ a f***, when it ain’t your turn to give a f***’. Masterpiece of a show.”
A second said: “So I just watched this cause everyone raves about it. And I liked it, but it felt really forced in season 5.”
The Wire can be watched on HBO Max.
2. The Good Place, 2016
The Good Place was first aired on NBC in 2016 and follows four people who enter the afterlife after dying on earth. Eleanor Shellstrop [Kristen Bell] is both relieved and surprised that she’s made it into the Good Place.
But it doesn’t take long for her to realize she’s there by mistake, and is forced to hide in plain sight. The show has a huge 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is a firm favourite by TV fans.
One person said: “One of the most perfect shows ever made, imo. From start to finish.”
A second said: “I recommend this show to my mom and I regret it LOL. she watches it everyday. AND I mean everyday. She will just keep watching it and not get tired of it.”
Dark was first aired on Netflix in 2017 and follows two families searching for answers when their children go missing in a small German town. A sinful past is exposed along with the double lives and fractured relationships that exist among four families as they search for the kids.
The mystery-drama series introduces an intricate puzzle filled with twists that includes a web of curious characters, all of whom have a connection to the town’s troubled history.
The series has a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and can be watched in Netflix.
One person said: “Dark was incredibly fine-tuned. I had found a chart online to help with family connections and time jumps.”
A second said: “Truly a 10/10 show. Still sad 1899 didn’t get the full run it deserved.”
4. Arrested Development, 2003
Arrested Development was first aired on Fox in 2003, and follows the Bluth family. Michael Bluth finds himself forced to stay in Orange County and run the family real estate business after his father, George Bluth Sr, is sent to prison for committing white-collar crime.
He tries to juggle the wants and needs of his spoiled and eccentric family while being a good role model for his teenage son, George Michael.
The series, which has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 75%, is known for having a reboot after season three, which did not go down as well as the first three seasons of the programme.
One person said: “Arrested Development (Seasons 1-3 too afraid to watch reboot so never did).”
A second person said: “Arrested Development is mine for sure. I don’t think there has ever been a funnier show on television.”
You can watch Arrested Development on Netflix and Disney+.
5. The Expanse, 2015
The Expanse was first aired on Syfy channel in 2015, and takes viewers hundreds of years into the future. Things are much different than what humanity is used to after humans have colonized the solar system and Mars has become an independent military power.
She show follows rising tensions between Earth and Mars that have put them on the brink of war. The show has a massive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many people singing its praises.
One person said: “Such a great show. One of the only good things Bezos has done in his life is paying to finish that show.”
A second said: “Excellent show! You gotta check out.”
The Expanse can be watched on Prime Video.
6. Parks and Recreation, 2009
The comedy was first aired on NBC in 2009 and follows the Indiana Parks and Recreation Department as they deal with oafish bureaucrats, selfish neighbours, governmental red tape and a myriad of other challenges.
The show is known as an easy to watch cult classic, and has a massive 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One person said: “The first show my wife and I binged when we first started dating. We ended up finishing our wedding vowels with “I love you and I like you” and engraving it on our wedding rings.”
A second said: “Way better than the office in my opinion.”
Parks and Recreation on Sky.
7. Psych, 2006
The Comedy, Crime and Mystery & Thriller was first aired on USA network in 2006, and follows Shawn Spencer as he happens to possess some uncanny powers of observation thanks to his father, Henry, a former police officer who taught his son to remember even the smallest details of his surroundings.
When Shawn is accused of committing a crime that he actually solved, he convinces the cops that he’s a psychic. The show has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and ran for 8 seasons.
One person said: “Psych was an incredible mix of humor, intrigue, creative writing and stupidity. I loved every second of it.”
A second said: “Episodic shows have so much rewatchability. Need to sit for 40 minutes? Watch an episode. Doesn’t matter which, they’re all self contained. Serial shows you can’t watch a random episode because you may not remember what’s going on.”
Psych can be bought on Prime and Apple TV.
8. Ted Lasso, 2020
Ted Lasso was first released on Apple TV in 2020 and follows an American football coach who is hired to manage a British soccer team.
What he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for in optimism, determination and biscuits. This comedy/drama is an easy watch, and features some big stars such as Hannah Waddingham, Jason Sudeikis and Nick Mohammed.
The show has a 90% rating on Rotton Tomatoes, and you don’t need to enjoy football to watch the show.
One person said: “I’m not even a fan of Soccer or most sports, but this show may be the most Wholesome, Down to Earth show I’ve ever seen. For anyone who hasn’t seen it, Soccer & sports is only about 5% of the show. The other 95% is behind the scenes, character development, comedy, and straight up genuine wholesomeness.”
A second said: “Idk if I’d even say it’s 5%, the soccer thing is all just backdrop really for some incredible character development.”
Ted Lasso can be watched on Apple TV.
9. Fleabag, 2016
Fleabag was first aired on BBC Tree in 2016 and follows a dry-witted woman, known only as Fleabag, as she navigates life and love in London while trying to cope with tragedy. The angry, grief-riddled woman tries to heal while rejecting anyone who tries to help her.
The show has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is known for its depth and dark comedy.
One person said: “Kind of dark to be fair. More raunchy than dark to me really. But it’s amazing, so I agree on the brilliance. Olivia Coleman may be my favourite British actresses of all time, even if she has been around the station a few times.”
A second said: “Season 2 is as close to perfection as any show will ever get.”
Fleabag can be watched on Prime Video, Sky and BBC iPlayer.
10. Brooklyn Nine-Nine, 2013
Brooklyn Nine-Nine was first aired on Fox in 2013 before moving to NBC for the final three seasons. The show follows the team of detectives at Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct – made up a loveable and offbeat squad that must get its act together when the office gets a new captain.
The show has a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many describing the show as “hilarious”.
One person said: “My wife made me watch it and I was hooked from the first episode.”
A second said: “I have to admit, this was recommended many times and when I saw bits and pieces I really hated it. Then I gave it a chance, now I’m at season 5, so many hilarious bits.”
