The 2025 Olivier Awards, one of the most anticipated nights in London’s theatre calendar, took place at the Royal Albert Hall on April 6, 2025.
This star-studded event not only honored the best in theatre but also celebrated the contributions of talented individuals from both the stage and the screen.
The night was filled with excitement as several notable names in acting and production were recognized for their incredible work.
Lesley Manville and John Lithgow Take Top Acting Honors
In a moment that left the audience in awe, English actress Lesley Manville, aged 69, won Best Actress for her powerful performance in Oedipus at Wyndham’s Theatre.
Meanwhile, Hollywood veteran John Lithgow, 79, clinched the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Roald Dahl in Giant.
Lithgow was visibly moved as he accepted his award, sharing how much the experience meant to him, particularly the unique role of bringing such a controversial figure to life on stage.
Giant Dominates the Night
Giant, a play that boldly tackles the uncomfortable legacy of Roald Dahl’s anti-Semitic views, emerged as the evening’s big winner.
Not only did John Lithgow take home the Best Actor award, but the production itself won multiple accolades, including Best New Play.
Elliot Levey also received recognition for his outstanding supporting role in Giant.
The play, written by Mark Rosenblatt, explores Dahl’s history of controversial opinions, particularly his 1983 review of a book on the bombing of Lebanon, which sparked intense debate.
Other Notable Wins and Performances
The evening wasn’t just about individual recognition—Oedipus also swept the board with other wins.
Imelda Staunton triumphed in the Best Actress in a Musical category for her stellar portrayal in Hello, Dolly!, while Romola Garai claimed Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Years.
Idris Elba presented the award for Best New Production in an Affiliate Theatre to Boys On The Verge Of Tears, an emotional highlight of the night.
The night also featured several star-studded moments.
Cate Blanchett and Tom Burke joined Robert Icke to present the Best Revival award to Oedipus, while an emotional performance of Les Miserables marked its 40th anniversary on stage.
A Glimpse of the Evening’s Awards
Here’s a look at some of the major winners of the night:
- Best Actor: John Lithgow, Giant
- Best Actress: Lesley Manville, Oedipus
- Best New Play: Giant
- Best Actress in a Musical: Imelda Staunton, Hello, Dolly!
- Best Supporting Actor: Elliot Levey, Giant
- Best New Production in an Affiliate Theatre: Boys On The Verge Of Tears
Honoring the Best in British Theatre
The awards night also saw British stars like Layton Williams, Meera Syal, and Sharon D. Clarke in the spotlight, with nominations that recognized their talent and contributions to the arts.
The revival of Fiddler On The Roof stood out with a staggering 13 nominations, followed closely by Giant and The Years, each earning five nominations.
With such a dazzling array of talent, the 2025 Olivier Awards highlighted the rich diversity of productions and performances gracing London’s West End.
From new plays to musical revivals, the evening was a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of theatre in the UK.
The Glamour Continues
The 2025 Olivier Awards were a celebration not just of the winners but of the theatre community as a whole.
Hosts Beverley Knight and Billy Porter expressed their joy in being able to honor such incredible talent.
As the night wrapped up, the excitement continued with performances, interviews, and coverage from platforms like TikTok, ensuring that the magic of theatre reached audiences far and wide.
This year’s awards solidified the importance of live theatre and the immense talent that continues to shine on London’s stage.
