Musical Theatre is one of my guilty pleasures, and I honestly
can't imagine a better way to spend a rainy Sunday evening in than watching the
Olivier Awards. It's a great opportunity
to see some classic performances by old hands (no Oliviers ceremony would be
complete without a belter by Elaine Page) and there were plenty that I couldn't
help but sing along to. Fortunately
there was no-one around to hear my questionable accompaniments to 'I Know Him
So Well', so I think I got away with it.
As a personal favourite of mine, I was really pleased to see
Les Misérables win the BBC Radio 2 Olivier Audience Award. Having seen it twice in the West End, I still
can't get enough of it, and I loved the rousing performance of 'One Day More',
with Enjolras at the head of the march proudly brandishing their Olivier Award
in the place of his usual rifle.
Other highlights for me were Sir Tim Rice's acceptance
speech for his outstanding contribution award: "if anyone could thank God I suppose I could. I've
made a lot of money off of God", and the impressive improvisation of Rory Kinnear when the sound failed at
the most inopportune moment -- during his introduction to the montage of theatre
professionals who have died this year. The
cast of the Lion King taking over the entire theatre for the finale performance
was also breathtaking as always.
The biggest winner of the night though, was Matilda. The cast and crew took home seven awards
between them, including Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, and Best
Actress in a Musical which was shared by the four Matildas. The girls now hold the record of the youngest
ever recipients of an Olivier Award. I
haven't seen Matilda yet, but I love Tim Minchin and was pleased to see it do
so well. I really must try to get
tickets -- but after tonight I have a feeling I won't be the only one. I’d better get on the waiting list…
A full list of winners is available on the Olivier Awards website.
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