Olivier Awards 2025: Lithgow, Manville Triumph in Star-Studded Night

A Night at the Olivier Awards: Wow!

So, the 2025 Olivier Awards happened at the Royal Albert Hall, and let me tell you, it was a *night*. Beverley Knight and Billy Porter hosted, and honestly, their chemistry was electric. The whole evening felt like a massive celebration of everything brilliant about British theatre – a real mix of established names and exciting new talent.

Some Seriously Big Wins

John Lithgow and Lesley Manville snagged Best Actor and Best Actress. Lithgow? First ever Olivier! Can you believe it? He won for his role in "Giant," which also cleaned up, taking home Best New Play and Best Supporting Actor (Elliot Levey). Manville, meanwhile, got her second Olivier for "Oedipus," which won Best Revival. It was a pretty amazing night for "Giant," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," and "Fiddler on the Roof," with each show walking away with three awards. Talk about a clean sweep!

Musical Mayhem and Theatrical Triumphs

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" charmed its way to Best New Musical, with John Dagleish taking Best Actor in a Musical. Then there's "Fiddler on the Roof," which was nominated for a record-breaking 13 awards! It won Best Musical Revival, along with awards for its incredible set and sound design. And Imelda Staunton? She just keeps adding to her impressive Olivier collection, winning Best Actress in a Musical for "Hello, Dolly!". Other standouts? Layton Williams won Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for "Titanique," and Romola Garai won Best Supporting Actress for "The Years."

Beyond the Big Awards

The ceremony also gave some well-deserved recognition to industry legends. Rufus Norris received a special award for his huge contribution to the National Theatre – a truly inspiring moment. The In Memoriam section was incredibly moving, paying tribute to Joan Plowright and other theatre greats we’ve sadly lost. Kash Bennett, president of the Society of London Theatre, summed it all up perfectly, saying the winners embodied "the creativity, passion, and magic that make our industry so extraordinary." It really was a beautiful sentiment.

An Unforgettable Night

The 2025 Oliviers showcased the very best of British and international theatre talent. It was such a mix of legendary names and fresh faces, all dazzling us with their talent. The performances were captivating, the sets were stunning, and the whole evening really reminded everyone of the power and magic of live theatre. If you were there, what was your favorite moment? I’d love to hear all about it!