The 2025 Olivier Awards, held on April 6 at London’s Royal Albert Hall, celebrated a remarkable year in British theatre. Hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter, the ceremony highlighted productions that captivated audiences and critics alike. Three standout shows—Giant, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Fiddler on the Roof—each secured three awards, underscoring their exceptional contributions to the stage.
Giant: A Provocative Exploration of Roald Dahl’s Legacy
Mark Rosenblatt’s Giant, staged at the Royal Court Theatre, delves into the complex legacy of renowned author Roald Dahl, focusing on his controversial views and the fallout from a 1983 book review that sparked accusations of antisemitism. The production garnered critical acclaim, winning:
- The Londoner Award for Best New Play
- Best Actor: John Lithgow, for his portrayal of Roald Dahl
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Elliot Levey, as publisher Tom Maschler
Lithgow’s performance marked his first Olivier win, adding to his illustrious career.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: A Musical Triumph
Adapted from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button enchanted audiences at the Ambassadors Theatre. The musical’s accolades included:
- Mastercard Best New Musical
- Best Actor in a Musical: John Dagleish, portraying Benjamin Button
- Outstanding Musical Contribution: Darren Clark & Mark Aspinal
Dagleish’s win comes a decade after his first Olivier for Sunny Afternoon, highlighting his continued excellence in musical theatre.
Fiddler on the Roof: A Revival Resonates
The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s revival of Fiddler on the Roof, directed by Jordan Fein, matched the record for most Olivier nominations with 13. The production’s wins included:
- Piper-Heidsieck Award for Best Musical Revival
- Best Set Design: Tom Scutt
- Best Sound Design: Nick Lidster
This revival breathed new life into the classic, earning both critical and audience acclaim.
Notable Individual Achievements
- Lesley Manville: Awarded Best Actress for her role in Oedipus at Wyndham’s Theatre, which also won Cunard Best Revival.
- Imelda Staunton: Secured her fifth Olivier Award, winning Best Actress in a Musical for Hello, Dolly!.
- Romola Garai: Won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for The Years, a production that also earned Eline Arbo the Sir Peter Hall Award for Best Director.
- Layton Williams: Received Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Titanique, marking his first Olivier win.
- Maimuna Memon: Honored as Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for her performance in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.
Ceremony HighlightsThe evening featured performances from nominated musicals, including MJ The Musical, Why Am I So Single?, and a special 40th-anniversary tribute to Les Misérables. The event celebrated both emerging talents and seasoned performers, reflecting the dynamic landscape of contemporary theatre.
