The Olivier Awards 2025, a celebration of the best in UK theatre, took place at the illustrious Royal Albert Hall, drawing in a star-studded crowd. Renowned figures like Lesley Manville, John Lithgow, and Imelda Staunton emerged victorious, with Lithgow taking home the coveted Best Actor award for his portrayal of Roald Dahl in the play “Giant.” This year’s ceremony proved to be a captivating showcase of talent, with memorable moments and inspiring speeches leaving a lasting impact on attendees and viewers alike.
John Lithgow’s victory was a particularly poignant highlight of the evening. Despite his extensive and celebrated career, including acclaimed roles in productions such as “Conclave” and “The Crown,” Lithgow expressed humility and surprise at winning an Olivier Award. Reflecting on his journey, he reminisced about his time studying in London during the 1960s, where he had the opportunity to witness Sir Laurence Olivier perform. With a lighthearted tone, Lithgow humorously noted that he often used his awards as doorstops, proudly stating, “I have exactly six doors on the second floor of my Los Angeles home, and I’ve won six Emmys, so I’ll have to look for another door!”
This year’s event was also spiced up with the vibrant presence of Billy Porter, who co-hosted the awards alongside West End star Beverley Knight. Currently dazzling audiences as the Emcee in the West End revival of “Cabaret,” Porter conveyed his admiration for British theatre lovers, describing them as slightly more reserved but gradually opening up. The Broadway icon shared his thoughts on British cuisine, remarking that while it has improved, a touch more seasoning is still needed. He joked, “it still needs more salt and pepper before you cook it, not after!”
Among the array of talent recognized was Romola Garai, who won the Olivier for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “The Years.” Achieving this status not only marked her first Olivier win but also showcased her skill when she triumphed over fierce competition, including her own nomination for “Giant.” Garai’s heartfelt acceptance speech reflected her gratitude towards supportive family, emphasizing that she felt she accepted the award on behalf of her entire family.
The night was not short of surprises; the quirky musical “Titanique,” which interlaces Celine Dion’s hits with a humorous retelling of the Titanic disaster, also snagged two awards. Highlighting both best supporting actor in a musical for Layton Williams and best entertainment or comedy play, the show’s unique premise had stirred excitement. Although Celine Dion has not yet seen the production, the creators expressed their hope that she would be among future audiences, with one saying they would “explode into a million pieces of dust” if Celine were present.
Another intriguing moment came from Meera Syal, nominated for Best Actress for her performance in “A Tupperware of Ashes,” where she portrayed a mother with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The method of receiving her nomination news was delightfully unconventional; she discovered it post-Zumba class when she received numerous missed calls from her agent and daughter. Overjoyed by the news, Syal found the timing simply serendipitous.
The Olivier Awards not only highlighted outstanding performances but also illuminated the dynamic blend of humor and talent that characterizes the UK theatre scene. With its bright future, the awards continue to evolve, showcasing the richness of theatrical artistry and leaving audiences eagerly anticipating next year’s festivities.