What are Olivier Award-winning shows in London?

Olivier Award-winning shows are theatrical productions in London that have received the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award, the UK’s highest honour in live theatre.

Where can I watch Olivier Award-winning shows in London?

You can catch Olivier Award-winning performances at top West End theatres like the London Palladium, National Theatre, Royal Court, Almeida Theatre, and the Gielgud Theatre.

How can I get tickets to Olivier Award-winning shows in London?

You can book tickets online. We recommend booking in advance as Olivier-winning productions often sell out quickly.

Which Olivier Award-winning shows are playing in London in 2025?

Several Olivier Award-winning shows are delighting audiences across London's West End, like Titanique, Back to the Future, Matilda the Musical, Wicked, and more.

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Olivier award winners

Looking to experience the crème de la crème of London theatre? You’re in the right place. Olivier Award-winning shows are the West End’s seal of approval—the ultimate recognition of brilliance in acting, music, design, and storytelling. Whether you're planning your first theatre trip or you're a seasoned stage door regular, catching an Olivier-winning show in London guarantees a night of exceptional entertainment. From dazzling musicals to groundbreaking plays, these shows have captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike.

🏆 What are the Olivier Awards?

The Olivier Awards, established in 1976, are the UK’s most prestigious theatre accolades, often dubbed “the British equivalent of the Tony Awards.” Named after the legendary actor Sir Laurence Olivier, these awards celebrate the best in London theatre, from West End musicals and straight plays to opera, dance, and family shows.

Presented annually by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), the Olivier Awards recognise outstanding talent in performance, direction, choreography, design, and more. Categories range from Best New Play and Best Musical to Best Actor/Actress, Best Direction, and Best Set Design.

🌟 What makes the Olivier Awards special

The Olivier Awards aren’t just about trophies—they're about storytelling at its finest.

Diverse recognition

From blockbuster musicals and West End classics to fringe theatre and opera, the Oliviers shine a spotlight on the full spectrum of British stagecraft.

A legacy of excellence

Winning an Olivier Award marks a production or performer as the best in their field, often propelling shows to global tours or Broadway transfers.

Star-studded and industry-shaping

The awards ceremony is a who’s-who of the theatre world. Past winners have gone on to dominate film, TV, and international theatre.

🎭 **Famous actors who are Olivier Award winners

Over the years, many of your favourite actors have either launched their careers or been immortalised on stage with an Olivier win. Here are just a few of the big names who’ve earned theatre’s highest honour:

Judi Dench – A theatrical titan with multiple Oliviers, Dench is beloved for both Shakespearean gravitas and musical brilliance.
Benedict Cumberbatch – Won for his electrifying performance in Frankenstein at the National Theatre.
Andrew Scott – The “Hot Priest” from Fleabag dazzled in Present Laughter, taking home the 2020 Best Actor award.
Eddie Redmayne – Took home Best Actor in a Musical for Cabaret in 2022.
Imelda Staunton – A West End powerhouse, Staunton has won for roles in Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods.
Helen Mirren – Snagged her Olivier for The Audience, playing Queen Elizabeth II.
Mark Rylance – A master of the Globe and beyond, with unforgettable performances in Jerusalem and Boeing-Boeing.
Ian McKellen – A Shakespearean legend and West End stalwart, McKellen has won multiple Oliviers for both classical and modern roles.
Rachel Weisz – Took home an Olivier for her unforgettable performance in A Streetcar Named Desire.
Patrick Stewart – Celebrated for his commanding stage presence, Stewart won for Antony and Cleopatra and has numerous nominations under his belt.
Rory Kinnear – A regular at the National Theatre, Kinnear won for Othello and continues to push dramatic boundaries.
Iwan Rheon – Before terrifying us as Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones, Rheon won an Olivier for his role in Spring Awakening.
Jonathan Pryce – A two-time Olivier winner, Pryce has shone in both musicals (Miss Saigon) and serious drama (Comedians).
Tom Hiddleston – Won for his brooding turn in Coriolanus and continues to balance West End acclaim with Hollywood stardom.
Indira Varma – Took home an Olivier for her powerful performance in Present Laughter, alongside Andrew Scott.
Nicole Scherzinger – Proved her stage chops and vocal prowess with a star-making, Olivier-winning role in Sunset Boulevard.

🎶 Past Olivier winners of "Best Musical"

Operation Mincemeat (2024)

A cult hit that exploded into mainstream success, this WWII musical comedy won hearts (and awards) with its wit and originality.

Standing at the Sky’s Edge (2023)

A moving Sheffield-set story told through powerful music by Richard Hawley.

Back to the Future: The Musical (2022)

Great Scott! This high-octane adaptation wowed with its special effects and nostalgia.

Dear Evan Hansen (2020)

The Broadway smash finally landed in London, touching audiences with its deeply emotional score.

Come From Away (2019)

The uplifting story of how a small town in Newfoundland welcomed thousands of grounded airline passengers post-9/11.

Hamilton (2018)

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s revolutionary musical dominated with 7 wins, including Best Musical.

Groundhog Day (2017)

A time-loop comedy turned musical masterpiece by Tim Minchin.

Kinky Boots (2016)

With Cyndi Lauper’s banger-filled score and a feel-good message about acceptance, this high-heeled hit strutted away with the big win.

The Book of Mormon (2014)

Outrageous, clever, and packed with catchy songs, this irreverent satire remains a West End staple.

Matilda The Musical (2012)

Still playing at the Cambridge Theatre, this witty adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic remains a family favourite.

Legally Blonde: The Musical (2011)

Elle Woods proved everyone wrong—and snapped up the award for her pink-powered performance.

Spring Awakening (2010)

A bold and electrifying coming-of-age rock musical that shook up the West End with its raw emotion and contemporary style.

Jersey Boys (2009)

The true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons set to their legendary back catalogue.

Billy Elliot The Musical (2006)

An emotional story of a boy with big dreams, set to music by Elton John.

The Producers (2005)

Mel Brooks’ zany comedy about Broadway flops turned into a roaring West End hit.

Merrily We Roll Along (2001)

Sondheim’s backward-told tale of friendship and ambition finally got the recognition it deserved in this award-winning Donmar Warehouse revival.

🎖️ **Olivier Awards winners 2025

Best New Play: Giant by Mark Rosenblatt – Jerwood Downstairs, Royal Court
Best New Musical: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Ambassadors Theatre
Best Revival: Oedipus – Wyndham's Theatre
Best Musical Revival: Fiddler on the Roof – Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Best Actor: John Lithgow as Roald Dahl in Giant – Jerwood Downstairs, Royal Court
Best Actress: Lesley Manville as Jocasta in Oedipus – Wyndham's Theatre
Best Actor in a Musical: John Dagleish as Benjamin Button in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Ambassadors Theatre
Best Actress in a Musical: Imelda Staunton as Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly! – London Palladium
Best Director: Eline Arbo for The Years – Almeida Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre
Best Set Design: Tom Scutt for Fiddler on the Roof – Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Best Costume Design: Gabriella Slade for Starlight Express – Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Best Lighting Design: Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs for Oliver! – Gielgud Theatre
Best Sound Design: Nick Lidster for Fiddler on the Roof – Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Best Entertainment or Comedy Play: Titanique by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli – Criterion Theatre
Best New Opera Production: Festen – Royal Opera House
Best New Dance Production: Assembly Hall by Kidd Pivot, Crystal Pite, and Jonathon Young – Sadler's Wells
Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre: Boys on the Verge of Tears – Soho Theatre

🎨 Discover more

Classics

Step into the world of theatre legends with London’s classic shows—iconic musicals and plays that have stood the test of time.

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Critics’ choice shows

Looking for the best of the best? Critics' Choice shows in London are the ones stealing the spotlight. These are the productions earning rave reviews for standout performances.

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Stars on Stage

From Hollywood icons to British legends, London’s theatres are a magnet for A-list talent. Catch award-winning actors live in action—up close, electric, and unforgettable.

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Musicals

London’s musicals are the beating heart of the West End—timeless, tuneful, and always crowd-pleasing, delivering big emotions, iconic songs, and stellar performances.

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Frequently asked auestions about Olivier Award-winning shows

The Society of London Theatre presents the Laurence Olivier Awards, popularly known as the Olivier Awards, each year to celebrate brilliance in London's professional theatre in a special event held in the city.