Paddington musical dominates Olivier Awards
Paddington Musical Sweeps Olivier Awards
During its 50th anniversary, the stage adaptation of Paddington’s beloved stories made a strong impact at the Olivier Awards, claiming seven accolades. The production, which incorporates songs by Tom Fletcher of McFly, secured the best new musical category along with three acting awards, as well as honors for its direction, set design, and costumes.
Artists Celebrate Kindness and Collaboration
Paddington’s writer, Jessica Swale, expressed gratitude during her acceptance speech for the best new musical prize, stating it was “an honour to be trusted with a very special bear.” Tom Fletcher, who composed the show’s music, described the cast as “a family,” emphasizing the emotional connection of their shared mission to “celebrate kindness” through the production.
“We tried to make a show that is all about celebrating kindness,” Fletcher added, “and to be part of this group of people that is putting that out into the world at this time feels so special, thank you so much.”
The musical’s wins included best actor in a musical, awarded jointly to James Hameed (who voices Paddington from the wings) and Arti Shah, an actress with dwarfism who embodies the bear on stage. Shah, in her speech, praised the cast and crew while also acknowledging her family, vowing to “keep making you proud” and “keep showing you that being different is a good thing.”
Evita’s Recognition and Rachel Zegler’s Stunt
Meanwhile, US actress Rachel Zegler emerged as a major winner, taking home two awards for her role in the new Evita revival. This follows her previous Golden Globe for reviving the character of Maria in West Side Story. In her acceptance speech, Zegler highlighted London’s role in her success, saying: “Thank you so much to the city of London for making me feel so welcome here, I never could’ve imagined it.”
“It was the honour of a lifetime singing to the people on Argyll Street eight times a week,” Zegler said, “I can’t believe I got so lucky to sing in front of thousands of you.”
Zegler’s unique performance of “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” from the Palladium’s balcony drew massive crowds and was broadcast live to the audience inside the theatre. She credited director Jamie Lloyd for creating an “accessible moment of theatre” that brought the community together.
Other Notable Winners
Rosamund Pike claimed the best actress in a play award for her role in *Inter Alia*, overcoming competition from Cate Blanchett and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. “I can’t believe it,” Pike remarked, “I haven’t done any theatre for 14 years, it was a huge, exhilarating risk to come back and be invited by the National Theatre to do this special play.”
A new production of Arthur Miller’s *All My Sons* earned two awards, including best supporting actor for Paapa Essiedu, who previously starred in *I May Destroy You*. Essiedu reflected on his journey, noting that he “never really went to the theatre” growing up until a Frantic Assembly youth program gave him access. “Even though I didn’t have the vocabulary,” he said, “my creativity was still nurtured and valued.”
“Funding for such programmes is being cut year on year,” Essiedu added, “and I urge everyone in this room, at home, and at governmental level to continue supporting these organisations to ensure the next generation of theatre-makers have the opportunities I had.”
James Graham’s play *Punch* also received two awards, with Julie Hesmondhalgh winning best supporting actress. Additional honours went to a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s *Into The Woods* and the one-man play *Kenrex*, which explores a real-life murder in 1980s America. Jack Holden, who took the best actor in a play title over Bryan Cranston and Tom Hiddleston, remarked: “Most people watching this at home won’t know who I am, which is quite funny.”
“Being in that esteemed company of nominees is crazy to me,” Holden laughed, “but to have this is even crazier. That’s the reality of our theatre ecosystem.”
