In pictures: Olivier Awards 2016
- Published
The night's most notable winner was Dame Judi Dench who not only won the best supporting actress Olivier for her role as Paulina in the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company's production of Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, but also broke a record in the process. It brought Dame Judi her eighth Olivier - and no one has won as many Oliviers for acting since the awards began 40 years ago. (PA)
Actor Matt Henry deserved to be all smiles as he triumphed in the best actor in a musical category for his role in Cyndi Lauper's Kinky Boots. A finalist on the second series of BBC talent show The Voice, Henry plays the role of the cross-dressing Lola in Kinky Boots. (Getty)
Among the night's big winners were Denise Gough and Kenneth Cranham. Gough took home the best actress Olivier for her role in People, Places And Things while Cranham triumphed as best actor for The Father. (PA)
Denise Gough's win came at the expense of Gemma Arterton, who was also nominated for best actress for her role in the costume drama Nell Gwynn. Arterton won rave reviews for her performance in the modern take on the story of the rise of the 17th Century actress Gwynn from the slums to the stage - and into the heart of the king. Despite Arterton's personal let-down, the production won best comedy. (Getty)
Equally ecstatic were Imelda Staunton (left) and Lara Pulver. Staunton won best actress in a musical for the revival of Gypsy while co-star Pulver took home the best supporting actress in a musical trophy. (Getty)
And David Bedulla could not hide his joy at winning the award for best supporting actor in a musical for his role in In the Heights. It is his second Olivier after winning best actor in a musical for Jerry Springer The Opera in 2004. Tony award-winning musical In the Heights is a Latin and hip-hop-inspired show set in Manhattan. (PA)
Actresses Laura Carmichael (left), Uzo Aduba (centre) and Zawe Ashton (right) were guests at the ceremony. Downton Abbey star Carmichael, Orange is the New Black's Aduba and Freshmeat actress Ashton are currently performing in the play The Maids, a new adaptation of the murderous 1940s play by the French dramatist Jean Genet. (Getty)
Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington stepped out with his co-star Rose Leslie. The pair chose the awards ceremony to appear for the first time as a couple in public. Harrington is soon to be seen starring in a new version of the 400-year-old Christopher Marlowe classic Doctor Faustus at the Duke of York Theatre. The play, opening on 9 April, sees Faustus make a pact with the Devil, selling his soul in return for the ability to perform absolutely anything he pleases with the power of black magic. (Getty)
- Published4 April 2016
