· Harry Potter And The Cursed Child becomes the most nominated new play in Olivier history, with 11 nominations
· Groundhog Day, opening this month on Broadway, receives 8 nominations
· As a composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber receives nominations for 3 separate shows (Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar and School Of Rock The Musical)
· Ian McKellen receives his 10th nomination for his performance in No Man’s Land
· One of the UK’s most celebrated choreographers, Matthew Bourne and his company New Adventures are recognised for The Red Shoes, currently on a major UK tour
· After 29 years, pantomime’s return to its London home, The Palladium, is recognised with nominations for Cinderella
Today, past winners Denise Gough and Matt Henry announced the nominations for the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard, the most prestigious event in the UK’s theatrical calendar. The 2017 awards are set to be the biggest yet, as they make their debut at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 9 April.
The list of nominees celebrates performances and productions that boldly reimagine classic stories and also demonstrates the best of new British writing – with many of the shows having originated outside of London, or going on to tour the UK and beyond.
In the Best Actor category, Ed Harris and Tom Hollander receive their first Olivier Award nominations for their performances in Buried Child and Travesties respectively. Jamie Parker receives his first nomination in this category for his portrayal of Harry Potter and six-time recipient, Ian McKellen receives his 10th nomination for his performance in No Man’s Land.
In a triumphant return to the stage, as King Lear, Glenda Jackson receives her first nomination since 1984, the year that Laurence Olivier gave his name to the awards. Cherry Jones, Billie Piper and Ruth Wilson are also nominated for Best Actress for their outstanding performances in The Glass Menagerie, Yerma and Hedda Gabler respectively.
Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’s record-breaking eleven nominations ties with the current record holder for the most nominated production, Hairspray (2008). The play, which sees JK Rowling’s magical world brought to life, is nominated in the following categories: Best Actor, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best New Play, Best Set Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Costume Design, Best Sound Design, Best Director, Best Theatre Choreographer and Outstanding Achievement in Music.
In the musical categories, Groundhog Day at The Old Vic leads with eight nominations including for Mastercard Best New Musical. Dreamgirls, School Of Rock The Musical and The Girls are also nominated.
Jesus Christ Superstar, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and returning this summer to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, receives six nominations including Magic Radio Best Musical Revival. Dreamgirls receives five nominations including Best Actress in a Musical for Amber Riley.
English National Opera triumphs with five nominations; Akhnaten, Così Fan Tutte, as well as Stuart Skelton’s performance in Tristan And Isolde and Mark Wigglesworth’s musical direction of Don Giovanni and Lulu.
In Best New Dance Production, Betroffenheit by Crystal Pite and Jonathon Young at Sadler’s Wells; Blak Whyte Gray by Boy Blue Entertainment at Barbican Theatre; Giselle by Akram Khan and English National Ballet at Sadler’s Wells and My Mother, My Dog And CLOWNS! by Michael Clark at Barbican Theatre all receive nominations.
For Outstanding Achievement in Dance the following choreographers, dancers and companies are nominated: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for their London season at Sadler’s Wells; Luke Ahmet for The Creation by Rambert at Sadler’s Wells and English National Ballet for expanding the variety of their repertoire with Giselle and She Said at Sadler’s Wells.
The Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre category demonstrates the diversity of London’s smaller theatres with four different theatres nominated for: Cuttin’ It at The Maria, Young Vic; The Government Inspector at Theatre Royal Stratford East; The Invisible Hand at Tricycle Theatre; It Is Easy To Be Dead at Trafalgar Studios 2 and Rotterdam at Trafalgar Studios 2.
As previously announced, Kenneth Branagh will receive The Special Award during the ceremony on Sunday 9 April.
Julian Bird, Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre and Executive Producer of the Olivier Awards said:
“In a year of global change, the nominees for this year’s awards demonstrate London theatre’s ability to challenge our perceptions, stir our emotions, and entertain us. From new British plays and musicals, to reinventions of well-known titles, the Oliviers proudly celebrate an extraordinary range of acting and creative talent.”
Nicola Grant, Head of Marketing UK&I, Mastercard said:
“Our cardholders love the Priceless experiences we’ve been able to offer through our partnership with the Society of London Theatre, from learning dance routines with the cast of a top West End musical to sitting with the nominees at the Olivier Awards. We are very proud to be sponsors of such a prestigious event which celebrates the amazing talent in British theatre. We also continue to sponsor the Mastercard Best New Musical award, recognising some of the most exciting new shows in London.”
