The Olivier Awards 2025, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, once again celebrated the finest in West End theatre. With performances, glitz and red-carpet glamour, the ceremony—hosted by Billy Porter and Beverley Knight—highlighted a year of exceptional work in both plays and musicals.
In one of the most competitive categories of the night, Lesley Manville won Best Actress for her performance in Oedipus at Wyndham’s Theatre. The production also took home the award for Best Revival, solidifying its position as one of the standout shows of the season. Manville’s win was mirrored by John Lithgow, who received Best Actor for his portrayal of Roald Dahl in Giant. The play itself was awarded Best New Play, marking a double triumph for its cast and creative team.
Imelda Staunton was named Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Hello, Dolly! at the London Palladium. The legendary performer added another trophy to her distinguished stage career, anchoring the classic musical with her acclaimed interpretation.
The award for Best Actor in a Musical went to John Dagleish for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button at the Ambassadors Theatre. The production also claimed the prize for Outstanding Musical Contribution, recognising the work of Darren Clark and Mark Aspinall in orchestrations, arrangements, and music direction.
The emotionally resonant The Years, directed by Eline Arbo, earned the title of Best Director. Arbo’s staging of the play also saw Romola Garai pick up Best Supporting Actress, with her trophy heading straight to her son’s bedroom to sit among superhero action figures.
Layton Williams won Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his comedic turn as the iceberg in Titanique, a jukebox musical based on the songs of Celine Dion. The show also took home Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play, credited to the creative team of Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli.
In the technical categories, Gabriella Slade won Best Costume Design for Starlight Express, while Nick Lidster claimed Best Sound Design for Fiddler on the Roof. The latter also received Best Musical Revival, with its run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre proving to be a hit across multiple categories. Maimuna Memon’s award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical further solidified the show’s critical success.
Other notable winners included Fiddler on the Roof’s vibrant staging, which was acknowledged in both technical and performance-based categories. Titanique emerged as a surprise favorite in the comedy division, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button continued to gain recognition for its musical innovation.
International stars punctuated the ceremony beyond the awards. Cate Blanchett, Tom Hiddleston, and Hayley Atwell were among the presenters, alongside Idris Elba and Ewan McGregor. Though the night honored British theatre, the presence of Hollywood figures and Broadway legends gave the event a global spotlight.
Backstage, winners shared moments of surprise and humor. Lithgow, reflecting on his extensive career, joked about using his many trophies as doorstops, noting that he’d now need to find another door for his new Olivier Award. Romola Garai, who was nominated twice in the same category, expressed how much the award meant to her and her family.
Meera Syal, though not a winner, shared a light-hearted anecdote about learning of her nomination for A Tupperware of Ashes after a Zumba class, capturing the personal highs of theatre professionals who balance intense roles with everyday life.
This year’s Olivier Awards confirmed the strength and diversity of UK theatre. With established stars taking honours alongside newer voices, the West End continues to thrive artistically. From revivals like Fiddler on the Roof to original works such as Giant and The Years, the 2025 season offered a range of performances that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
As the curtains closed on this year’s event, the theater world turned its attention to the next season—one that now has a new set of benchmarks to aspire to.
