The Olivier Awards, the pinnacle of recognition in British theatre, took place at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, where numerous talented individuals gathered to celebrate outstanding achievements in the arts. Notable figures such as Lesley Manville, John Lithgow, and Imelda Staunton emerged as winners in various categories, showcasing the immense talent present in the UK theatre scene.

One of the standout moments of the evening came when John Lithgow claimed the prestigious Best Actor award for his remarkable performance as the beloved children's author Roald Dahl in the production titled Giant. Lithgow, celebrated for his roles in iconic shows such as Conclave, The Crown, and 3rd Rock from the Sun, expressed his disbelief at winning the award. “I never thought I would win an Olivier,” he said, reflecting on his days as a drama student in London during the 1960s when he had the honor of witnessing Sir Laurence Olivier perform live. With a collection of accolades to his name, including six Emmys, Lithgow humorously noted his unconventional use of awards: “I basically use awards for doorstops. I have six doors on the second floor of my Los Angeles home, so I guess I’ll need to find another door for this Olivier!”

Another highlight of the night was the charismatic Billy Porter, who hosted the ceremony alongside West End star Beverley Knight. Known for his commanding presence on Broadway, Porter is currently captivating audiences in London's West End as the Emcee in the acclaimed production of Cabaret. He shared his thoughts on the differences between British and American audiences, remarking that while UK crowds tend to be “a little more reserved,” they have recently become more animated and engaged. Porter also cheekily critiqued British cuisine, suggesting that while it has improved, it could use a bit more seasoning: “It needs more salt and pepper before you cook it, not after.” He jokingly accepted an invitation to dinner at the BBC canteen, leaving fans curious if he would take them up on it.

Romola Garai also made headlines at the awards, as she took home the Olivier for Best Supporting Actress for her compelling performance in The Years. Remarkably, she was nominated in the same category for her role in Giant, making it a significant night for her. With this win being her first Olivier, Garai expressed her excitement and dedication to her family, saying, “My little boy asked if he could keep it in his room if I won, so it will be with all his action figures. I feel that I’m accepting this on behalf of my kids and my husband, who have always encouraged me to pursue my passion.”

Adding an element of whimsy to the evening was the musical Titanique, a creative homage to Celine Dion, where the legendary singer interrupts a museum tour about the Titanic to share her unique perspective on the tragic event. The show garnered two Olivier Awards: Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Layton Williams as the infamous iceberg and Best Entertainment or Comedy Play. While Celine Dion herself has not yet attended, the creators of the show shared that her set designer, backup singer, and sister have seen it. Tye Blue, one of the creators, expressed his excitement saying he would “explode into a million pieces” if Celine ever witnessed the performance. Marla Mindelle, who originated the role of Celine in Titanique, humorously imagined a scenario where Dion would take over her own role on stage, bringing the house down with laughter.

In a lighthearted moment, actress Meera Syal shared a quick quip about her evening at the awards, joking, “I was at a Zumba class!” giving the audience a glimpse of the fun and camaraderie that filled the event.