Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night
Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night
Heritage and Humility in Rachel Zegler’s Win
The 2026 Olivier Awards featured a heartfelt moment as Rachel Zegler, who won best actress in a musical for her role in *Evita*, entered the winner’s room. There, she spotted Elaine Page—the first Eva Perón in the 1978 debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical. “I spent my life listening to her sing *Memory* from *Cats*,” Zegler shared, expressing deep admiration. She also reflected on the evening’s surprises, mentioning how “some of the famous faces cheering me on” felt surreal.
“For every good thing, there are so many bad things but remember that the bad makes you appreciate the good so much more,” Zegler added, offering words of encouragement to aspiring performers.
Brian Cranston’s Theatrical Stamina
Bryan Cranston, known for *Breaking Bad* and his role in the West End revival of *All My Sons*, faced a grueling schedule. He performed two shows daily on Wednesdays and Saturdays, totaling 115 performances. “When there are two shows a day, I can’t expend any more energy,” he explained, describing his routine as “a monk’s life.”
“I say my little prayer, go to bed, take a nap, get up and get ready for the next show—this is my life,” Cranston joked, highlighting his dedication to maintaining focus.
Rosamund Pike’s Return to the West End
Rosamund Pike celebrated her comeback to West End theatre after 14 years, earning a Best Actress award for *Inter Alia*. She described the experience as “incredible,” comparing the thrill of the role to her time in *Gone Girl*. “This role gives me the chance to explore every part of being a woman,” she said, emphasizing its emotional depth.
“I love the protective veil of a character, I like being other people… the possibility of being singled out as just me is always quite daunting,” Pike admitted, revealing her shyness.
Paddington The Musical’s Triumph
Paddington The Musical emerged as a major winner, claiming seven accolades, including best new musical. The composer, Tom Fletcher of McFly, attributed the success to close collaboration with family and friends. “My wife, Giovanna, and my sister, Carrie, were instrumental in the writing process,” he said, noting that all his family members could sing and contributed to early demos.
“This is a show about celebrating kindness… to be part of that message going out into the universe is very special,” Fletcher reflected, highlighting the musical’s core theme.
A Passion for F1 and the Arts
During the green carpet interview, Rosamund Pike surprised with her love for F1. She hosts a BBC Radio 5 Live podcast on the sport and likened the teams’ global movements to “a theatrical family.” “Every part coming together creates this performance in front of the cameras,” she said, drawing a parallel between acting and motorsport.
Behind the Scenes of the Awards
From the stage to the backstage, the evening revealed personal stories and professional triumphs. Zegler’s journey from a social media casting call to a major award, Cranston’s nap-filled routine, and Pike’s return to the West End all underscored the dedication of theatre professionals. Meanwhile, the success of *Paddington The Musical* celebrated the power of storytelling and family collaboration.
