The Olivier Awards Triumphant Return

In March 2020, theatre's across the UK were dormant; curtains were closed, spotlights switched off and the bustling theatre wings stood still. For the first time in three years the curtains were raised for the Olivier Awards at the Royal Albert Hall - and what a show it was. Britain's stage community came out in full force on Sunday to celebrate — but also to reflect on a tough couple of years due to COVID closures. Viewers were treated to electrifying performances from Moulin Rouge, Get Up Stand up!, Frozen and more.

Winner of Best Actress in a supporting role, Liz Carr, was praised for spotlighting the need for greater representation and award show accessibility for disabled actors. While host and comedian Jason Manford kept the audience laughing - even making light of the recent Will Smith Oscar's controversy. He joked, 'I'm a comedian, and this is an awards ceremony, and those two things have not gone down well together lately.' The comedian continued, 'So before we get into this properly, let me tell you, I think all your hair looks lovely, and I will very much be keeping your wives names out of my chuffing mouth this evening.'

Cabaret and the Life Of Pi dominated the awards, taking home several gongs after show-stopping performances. While Cabaret's Jessie Buckley and Eddie Redmayne also won Best Actress and Best Actor in a musical for their roles of Sally Bowles and Emcee. The spectacular show proved the sheer resilience of the theatre community during a time when all seemed bleak. The Olivier Awards was triumphant return for winners, nominees, graduates and theatre lovers alike.

"The show must go on," and on it did.

Winners list

Cunard Best Revival

Constellations - Donmar Warehouse at Vaudeville Theatre

Noël Coward/Geoffrey Johnson Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play

Pride And Prejudice _(_sort of) at Criterion Theatre

Magic Radio Best Musical Revival

Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre

Best Costume Design

Catherine Zuber for Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Piccadilly Theatre

d&b audiotechnik Award for Best Sound Design

Nick Lidster for Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre

Best Original Score or New Orchestrations

Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical - Orchestrator: Simon Hale at Lyric Theatre

Best Theatre Choreographer

Kathleen Marshall for Anything Goes at Barbican Theatre

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Fred Davis, Daisy Franks, Romina Hytten, Tom Larkin, Habib Nasib Nader, Tom Stacy and Scarlet Wilderink - the seven actors who play the Tiger for Life Of Pi at Wyndham's Theatre

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Liz Carr for The Normal Heart at National Theatre - Olivier

Blue-I Theatre Technology Award for Best Set Design

Tim Hatley for Design and Nick Barnes & Finn Caldwell for Puppets for Life Of Pi at Wyndham's Theatre

White Light Award for Best Lighting Design

Tim Lutkin and Andrzej Goulding for Life Of Pi at Wyndham's Theatre

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical

Liza Sadovy for Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre

Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical

Elliot Levey for Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre

Outstanding Achievement in Opera

Peter Whelan and the Irish Baroque Orchestra for Bajazet at Royal Opera House - Linbury Theatre

Best New Opera Production

Jenůfa by Royal Opera at Royal Opera House

Best Actor in a Musical

Eddie Redmayne for Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre

Best Actress in a Musical

Jessie Buckley for Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre

Outstanding Achievement in Dance

Arielle Smith for her choreography of Jolly Folly in Reunion by English National Ballet at Sadler's Wells

Best New Dance Production

Revisor by Crystal Pite and Jonathon Young / Kidd Pivot at Sadler's Wells

Best Actress

Sheila Atim for Constellations - Donmar Warehouse at Vaudeville Theatre

Best Actor

Hiran Abeysekera for Life Of Pi at Wyndham's Theatre

Sir Peter Hall Award for Best Director

Rebecca Frecknall for Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre

Outstanding Achievement in Affiliate Theatre

Old Bridge at Bush Theatre

Best Family Show

Wolf Witch Giant Fairy at Royal Opera House - Linbury Theatre

Best New Play

Life Of Pi at Wyndham's Theatre

Mastercard Best New Musical

Back To The Future - The Musical at Adelphi Theatre

READ MORE: Your Need To Know On The BAFTA TV Awards