London, England – Sunset Boulevard made history at the Olivier Awards by winning seven prizes, tying the record for the most awards for a musical at the ceremony. The musical revival garnered accolades for best musical revival and acting honors for Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis.
Scherzinger, known for her role in the girl group Pussycat Dolls, joked during her acceptance speech that playing Norma Desmond was not a role she had dreamed of, but she found it to be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of her career. The minimalist production of Sunset Boulevard received rave reviews, despite its lack of traditional scenery and props.
In another standout moment at the awards ceremony, Sarah Snook took home the best actress award for her role in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Snook, who also stars in the HBO series Succession, expressed her gratitude for being part of the West End stage, highlighting the collaborative effort that goes into a one-woman show.
The night also highlighted the posthumous win of Haydn Gwynne for best supporting actress, showcasing her exceptional talent in the play When Winston Went to War with the Wireless. Gwynne’s son accepted the award on her behalf, reflecting on her love for the stage and her lifelong dream of winning an Olivier.
Mark Gatiss surprised the audience by winning best actor in a play for his performance in The Motive And The Cue, among stiff competition from other talented actors. Gatiss humorously corrected the mispronunciation of his name and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play such a significant role.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel to the popular Netflix series, won best new entertainment or comedy play, with writer Kate Trefry acknowledging the fans for their support and enthusiasm. Operation Mincemeat, a new musical that received extended runs due to its popularity, also took home the best new musical award.
Dame Arlene Phillips, at 80 years old, won her first Olivier Award for best theatre choreography for Guys & Dolls, a moment that was met with a standing ovation. The ceremony also honored other talented individuals across various categories, showcasing the diversity and excellence of the theatrical community.