LONDON — Sunday’s ceremony for the prestigious Olivier Awards celebrated outstanding achievements across London’s theater, opera and dance scene for 2026.
“Paddington The Musical” emerged as the night’s biggest winner, claiming the top prize for Best New Musical. The beloved bear’s stage adaptation also earned recognition for James Hameed and Arti Shah in the Actor-Musical category, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt for Supporting Actress-Musical, and Tom Edden for Supporting Actor-Musical. Director Luke Sheppard received honors for his work on the production, which also took home awards for Set Design and Costume Design.
In the play categories, “Punch” claimed the Best New Play award, with Julie Hesmondhalgh earning Supporting Actress honors for her performance. Jack Holden received the Actor-Play recognition for “Kenrex,” while Rosamund Pike took home the Actress-Play award for “Inter Alia.”
Rachel Zegler was honored as Actress-Musical for her role in “Evita,” which also received the Theater Choreography award. “All My Sons” won the Revival category, with Paapa Essiedu earning Supporting Actor-Play recognition for his performance in the production.
Other notable winners included “Oh, Mary!” for New Entertainment or Comedy, “The Boy at the Back of the Class” for Family Show, and “Into The Woods” for Musical Revival. The Stephen Sondheim classic also earned the Lighting Design award.
Technical achievements were recognized across multiple productions, with “Kenrex” taking Sound Design honors. “Dead Man Walking” received the New Opera Production award, while “Into the Hairy” claimed New Dance Production recognition.
Chris Fenwick and Sean Hayes were honored for Outstanding Musical Contribution for “Goodnight Oscar.” The Yard Theatre’s production of “The Glass Menagerie” earned Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theater, and veteran performer Elaine Paige received a Special Award for her contributions to theater.
