Winners announced for the 39th Olivier Awards
by Oliver Mitford on Monday 13 April 2015, 8:24 pm in Laurence Olivier Awards
Last night, the red carpet was awash with stars of stage and screen, all dressed to impress for the 39th Olivier Awards at the Royal Opera House in London.
This year, comedian and actor Lenny Henry presented the glamorous ceremony watched by a packed auditorium of guests that included Beverley Knight, Kevin Spacey, Ray Davies, Nichole Scherzinger and Dame Judi Dench.
The biggest hall of awards went to Kinks musical Sunny Afternoon, scooping four awards fro Outstanding Achievement in Music, Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, Best Actor in a Musical and the much-coveted Best New Musical.
The Young Vic’s acclaimed production of Arthur Miller’s A View From the Bridge won three awards, including Best Director, Best Revival and Best Actor, going to the productions critically acclaimed leading man, Mark Strong.
The West End transfer of the Almeida Theatre’s new play King Charles III grabbed Best New Play. The plays writer Mike Bartlett also won for his play Bull at the Young Vic, which scooped the award for Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre.
The biggest reaction of the night went to Dame Angela Lansbury, as she collected her long overdue award for Best Actress. The 89 year old was honored for her role as Madame Arcati in the recent West End revival of Blithe Spirit.
Not one, but two special awards were given at this years ceremony. The first, going to Kevin Spacey for his outstanding work as the artistic director of the Old Vic. The second went to French ballet star and world-renowned choreographer Sylvie Guillem.
Bets are now on for which productions and actors will be honored at next year's Oliver Awards.