Paddington: The Musical swept the board at the Olivier Awards on Sunday, winning seven prizes including best new musical. The West End production, 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 jointly to James Hameed, who voices and puppeteers Paddington, and Arti Shah, who performs in the costume. Tom Edden and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt won best supporting actor and actress in a musical for their roles as the villainous Mr Curry and Millicent Clyde. Luke Sheppard took best director, while the show also won for costume and set design.
Rachel Zegler won best actress in a musical for Evita, praising director Jamie Lloyd for creating an 'accessible moment' of theatre. Elaine Paige, who originated the role of Eva Perón in 1978, received a special award presented by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Rosamund Pike won best actress for Inter Alia, a play about a crown court judge, while Julie Hesmondhalgh took best supporting actress for Punch, based on a true story of restorative justice. Paapa Essiedu won best supporting actor for All My Sons, which also won best revival.
The ceremony, hosted by Nick Mohammed, featured performances and appearances from stars including Tom Hiddleston, Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen.
