The Olivier Awards 2025 - The Ultimate Guide
The Olivier Awards are the most prestigious accolades in British theatre, recognising excellence in West End productions, plays, musicals, dance, and opera. Every year, the awards celebrate the most outstanding performances, creative achievements, and theatrical productions staged in London’s West End and beyond.
With a legacy spanning nearly 50 years, the Olivier Awards have become a hallmark of theatrical prestige, equivalent to Broadway’s Tony Awards. In this guide, we explore the history, records, and frequently asked questions surrounding the Olivier Awards.
The Royal Albert Hall hosts the 2025 Olivier Awards
A Brief History of the Olivier Awards
The Olivier Awards were originally founded in 1976 as the Society of West End Theatre Awards (SWET Awards), created by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) to honour the best of British theatre.
In 1984, the awards were renamed in honour of Sir Laurence Olivier, one of the most celebrated figures in British theatre history. Since then, they have grown into an internationally recognised event, broadcast on television and attended by top-tier actors, directors, producers, and creatives.
The Olivier Awards 2025: Key Details
This year’s Olivier Awards ceremony will take place on:
Date: Sunday 6 April 2025
Venue: Royal Albert Hall, London
Hosts: Beverley Knight & Billy Porter
The event promises a star-studded evening filled with live performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and the recognition of outstanding talent across various categories, including Best New Musical, Best New Play, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Revival, and many more.
Record-Breaking Moments in Olivier Awards History
What Musical Has Won the Most Olivier Awards?
The record for the most Olivier Awards won by a single musical belongs to Hamilton, which won 7 awards in 2018, including:
Best New Musical
Best Actor in a Musical (Giles Terera)
Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (Michael Jibson)
Outstanding Achievement in Music
Other big winners in musical theatre history include:
Matilda the Musical (2012) – 7 Olivier Awards
Cabaret (2023) – 7 Olivier Awards
Billy Elliot the Musical (2006) – 4 Olivier Awards
What Play Has Won the Most Olivier Awards?
The play holding the record for most Olivier Awards won is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in 2017, with 9 wins, including:
Best New Play
Best Director (John Tiffany)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Anthony Boyle)
Other high-ranking plays include:
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2013) – 7 Olivier Awards
Jerusalem (2010) – Best Actor for Mark Rylance and Best Set Design
What Actor Has Won the Most Olivier Awards?
The record for most Olivier Awards won by a performer is held by Judi Dench, with 8 wins in categories such as:
Best Actress in a Play (Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra, Amy’s View)
Best Actress in a Musical (A Little Night Music)
Other frequent winners include:
Mark Rylance – 3 Olivier Awards (Jerusalem, Much Ado About Nothing)
Imelda Staunton – 4 Olivier Awards (Sweeney Todd, Gypsy, Follies)
Who Is the Youngest Olivier Award Winner?
The youngest Olivier Award winner is Eleanor Worthington-Cox, who won Best Actress in a Musical at just 10 years old in 2012 for her role in Matilda the Musical, sharing the award with her fellow young Matildas.
Olivier Awards vs. Tony Awards: What’s the Difference?
While both the Olivier Awards and the Tony Awards celebrate the best in theatre, there are key differences between the two:
| Feature | Olivier Awards | Tony Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Location | London’s West End | Broadway, New York |
| First Established | 1976 | 1947 |
| Named After | Laurence Olivier | Antoinette Perry |
| Eligible Productions | West End productions and select London venues | Broadway productions only |
| Voting Body | Society of London Theatre (SOLT) | American Theatre Wing & The Broadway League |
| Major Categories | Best New Play, Best New Musical, Best Actor/Actress, Best Director | Best Play, Best Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor/Actress, Best Direction |
| Broadcast | ITV | CBS |
Both are highly respected theatre honours, but the Oliviers focus on British theatre, while the Tonys focus on Broadway productions.
How Often Do the Laurence Olivier Awards Take Place?
The Olivier Awards are held annually, typically in April, with nominations announced in February or March. The ceremony takes place at London’s Royal Albert Hall, featuring performances from nominated musicals and plays, as well as tributes to theatre legends.
What Is the Dress Code for the Olivier Awards?
The Olivier Awards are a glamorous black-tie event, with attendees expected to dress in formal attire. The dress code includes:
Men: Tuxedo or formal suit with a bow tie
Women: Floor-length gowns or elegant cocktail dresses
Guests: Smart formalwear (no casual attire)
The red carpet is one of the highlights of the event, featuring celebrity guests, theatre icons, and nominees dressed in their finest.
How to Watch the Olivier Awards
The Olivier Awards are broadcast live on various platforms, including:
ITV (UK television broadcast)
BBC Radio 2 (audio broadcast)
YouTube highlights and clips
Tickets for the live event at the Royal Albert Hall are available to the public, offering fans a chance to experience the ceremony firsthand.
Why the Olivier Awards Matter
The Olivier Awards are more than just a celebration of theatre—they are a testament to the rich cultural legacy of British stage productions. Over the years, the awards have highlighted the best talent in the industry, launching the careers of actors, playwrights, and creatives.
