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Paddington's Dominance
Paddington The Musical swept the ceremony with seven wins from 11 nominations, the most for any new musical in Olivier history.
“Paddington The Musical dominated the evening winning a whopping seven awards”
The production took home best new musical, best actor in a musical shared by Hameed and Shah, and both best actor and actress in a supporting role in a musical.
The show also won best costume design, best set design, and the Sir Peter Hall award for best director.
Tom Fletcher praised the production for celebrating kindness, calling it so special.
The ceremony marked the 50th anniversary of the Olivier Awards.
Zegler and Pike Triumph
Rachel Zegler won best actress in a musical for Evita, returning to the Olivier stage after a balcony performance.
She called it a tremendous honour and thanked London for making her feel so welcome.
Rosamund Pike won best actress for Inter Alia, marking her return after almost 14 years.
She described theatre as her homecoming and called her return a huge, exhilarating risk.
Pike beat nominees including Cate Blanchett and Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
Dramatic and Social Themes
James Graham's Punch won best new play, based on a true story of a one-punch death.
“Former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh secured Best Actress In A Supporting Role for Punch”
Julie Hesmondhalgh won best actress in a supporting role for her portrayal of Joan Scourfield.
All My Sons won best revival, with Paapa Essiedu taking best actor in a supporting role.
Bryan Cranston was nominated but beaten by Jack Holden for Kenrex.
The BBC noted Cranston's monk-like routine during the run.
Industry and Audience Impact
The West End welcomed a record-breaking 17.64 million people last year, beating Broadway.
Over a third of organisations still expect to operate at a deficit this year.
Host Nick Mohammed said it's important we don't price certain communities out.
The event was broadcast on BBC Two and is available on BBC iPlayer.
Elaine Paige received a Special Award, presented by Andrew Lloyd Webber.