London’s Royal Albert Hall shimmered with theatrical glory as the 2025 Olivier Awards brought together the best of British theatre for an evening that balanced reverence, rebellion, and red carpet flair. Hosted by returning favorite Hannah Waddingham, this year’s ceremony was equal parts elegant and electric, with major wins that reflected a growing appetite for innovation, diversity, and daring storytelling on the West End stage.
One of the night’s most talked-about victories was “The Motive and the Cue” taking home Best New Play, cementing its reputation as a critical and cultural standout. With a script that unpacks the process behind a legendary production of Hamlet, it’s a layered ode to the very soul of performance. The production also earned Mark Gatiss the award for Best Actor, his portrayal of John Gielgud hailed as “hauntingly precise” by The Guardian.
Meanwhile, the Best Musical Revival category made history with “The Witches of Eastwick”, which not only wowed critics with its gender-swapped casting but marked the first time a revival directed by a trans director, Jamie Fletcher, took home the prize. Fletcher’s acceptance speech—“This is what happens when we let the weird ones in”—quickly went viral, earning thunderous applause and thousands of reshares within hours.
In the musical theatre categories, “Operation Mincemeat” emerged as the evening’s unexpected darling, snagging Best New Musical and Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Jak Malone. What began as a cult fringe hit has now made its mark in the big leagues—complete with standing ovations and a cheeky acceptance speech referencing World War II, Beyoncé, and TikTok in the same breath.
“Guys and Dolls” at the Bridge Theatre scooped up awards for Best Theatre Choreography and Best Director for Nicholas Hytner, whose immersive staging breathed new life into a beloved classic. His win echoed similar innovation celebrated in last year’s ceremony, where unconventional staging of “Cabaret” proved that reimagining classics isn’t a trend—it’s the new tradition.
On the design front, Soutra Gilmour won Best Set Design for “Sunset Boulevard”, a win many predicted after the show’s splashy visuals took over social media earlier this year. Gilmour’s moody, metallic set was lauded as a “fever dream in noir,” pairing perfectly with Nicole Scherzinger’s turn as Norma Desmond, which earned her Best Actress in a Musical—her first Olivier win.
The night wasn’t without its surprises. Rising star Zubin Varla’s win for Best Supporting Actor in a Play sparked an emotional response, as he dedicated the award to “those who’ve ever been told their voice was too different.” His speech was a clear nod to ongoing conversations about representation in British theatre—conversations that the Oliviers, in recent years, have increasingly reflected through their nominations and wins.
Among the most poignant moments was a tribute to late playwright April De Angelis, whose influence was honored with a moving performance from the National Theatre ensemble. It was a reminder that theatre’s roots are as vital as its blossoms, and this year’s Oliviers managed to bridge both with a grace that felt rare.
While the red carpet looks drew their own kind of applause (Scherzinger’s Old Hollywood gown was an internet favorite), it was the bold artistic risks, sweeping design, and nuanced performances that made the 2025 Olivier Awards more than just a celebration—it was a manifesto for theatre’s future.
As Hannah Waddingham closed the night with a musical sendoff, the message was clear: British theatre is not just surviving—it’s thriving, growing stranger, smarter, and more inclusive by the season.
Complete List of 2025 Olivier Awards Winners
- Best New Play: The Motive and the Cue
- Best Actor: Mark Gatiss – The Motive and the Cue
- Best Actress: Sophie Okonedo – The Effect
- Best Director: Nicholas Hytner – Guys and Dolls
- Best New Musical: Operation Mincemeat
- Best Musical Revival: The Witches of Eastwick
- Best Actress in a Musical: Nicole Scherzinger – Sunset Boulevard
- Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Jak Malone – Operation Mincemeat
- Best Set Design: Soutra Gilmour – Sunset Boulevard
- Best Theatre Choreography: Arlene Phillips – Guys and Dolls
- Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Zubin Varla – The House of Ife
For the full list of winners and nominees, visit the official Olivier Awards website.
