Paddington: The Musical dominated the Olivier Awards on Sunday, winning seven prizes including best new musical. The West End spectacular, based on Michael Bond's beloved bear, triumphed at a glittering ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
The award for best actor in a musical went to the duo who play Paddington: James Hameed provides the voice and puppeteers the bear, while Arti Shah performs in the furry costume. Tom Edden and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt won best supporting actor and actress in a musical for their roles as the baddies Mr Curry and Millicent Clyde. Luke Sheppard was named best director, with additional awards for costume and set design.
Into the Woods, which shared the highest number of nominations (11) with Paddington, won best musical revival and best lighting design. Rachel Zegler won best actress in a musical for Evita, praising director Jamie Lloyd for creating an 'accessible moment' of theatre. Elaine Paige received the Special award for her stage career, presented by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Rosamund Pike won best actress for her role in Inter Alia, beating Cate Blanchett and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. The play, written by Suzie Miller, follows a crown court judge whose life is rocked by a revelation. Pike will take the play to Broadway in November.
James Graham's Punch won best new play, based on the true story of a one-punch death. Julie Hesmondhalgh won best supporting actress for playing Joan Scourfield, who sought restorative justice after her son's death. Ivo van Hove's production of All My Sons won best revival, with Paapa Essiedu winning best supporting actor.
