It’s here, it’s finally here. Well, almost. Theatre lovers across the world have been eagerly awaiting this year’s Olivier Awards with Mastercard and this Sunday, you can experience theatre’s biggest night in the comfort of your own home.
Here are 10 reasons you can’t miss the show, whether you’re planning on tuning in to ITV1 at 10.20pm, streaming on Facebook, listening live on Magic Radio or watching our Red Carpet and backstage shows.
1. Red carpet glamour
Gok Wan, Jamie Lambert, Anita Rani and Frank DiLella will be reporting live from the red carpet from 4pm exclusively on Facebook. Not only will you see the West End’s elite in their gorgeous outfits, you’ll also get all the gossip, excitement and healthy competition live.
2. And the winners are… revealed
Don’t pretend. You’re dying to find out who’s going to go home with a Larry. See the excitement on the winners’ faces – and the true acting skills of the losers as they graciously smile and applaud.
Jason Pennycooke (Thomas Jefferson) and the West End cast of Hamilton (Photo: Matthew Murphy)
3. Find out if Hamilton broke the record
Last year, Harry Potter And The Cursed Child won nine awards breaking all previous records. This year, Hamilton has been nominated for a record-breaking 13 awards. Will they break Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’s record and make history… again?
4. The speeches
Will you laugh? Will you cry? Will you throw a cushion across the room because your fave didn’t win? You’ll have to find out on the night. With 26 awards, we’re certain you’ll have a wave of emotions throughout the ceremony. And you don’t want to miss out on any water-cooler moments now, do you?
5. Realness from backstage
Yes, the speeches are awesome, but find out how they really feel with Carrie Hope Fletcher who will be live backstage from 6pm on Twitter. She’ll be interviewing the winners as soon as they step off the stage before anyone else and getting their real reactions and unfettered joy.
42nd Street at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane (Photo: Brinkhoff & Moegenburg)
6. The performances
Haven’t managed to see some of the biggest shows of the year? Or just want to experience them again? Then tune in as we’ll have live performances from 42nd Street, Follies, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Girl From The North Country, Young Frankenstein, and Hamilton. It’s the first time many of these casts will be performing for TV… just saying.
7. The celebrations
In addition to the performances, we’ll have two monumental celebrations.
There will be a special 60th-anniversary celebration of West Side Story with Chita Rivera, Andy Karl and Adam J. Bernard.
Plus, a 50th-anniversary celebration of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Jason Donavan, Linzi Hateley, Lee Mead, Preeya Kalidas, Joe McElderry, Danielle Hope – and more.
Olivier Awards 2018 host, Catherine Tate (Photo: Matt Crockett)
8. Bants with Catherine Tate
Guiding us through the night will be the hilarious Catherine Tate. We’re expecting her signature poise, excitement and killer one-liners.
9. Because you love theatre
The Olivier Awards really are theatre’s biggest night. It’s a chance to celebrate all of the talent, achievements and passion created by the industry over the past 12 months. It’s a way to feel connected to the creators, actors and everyone involved. You also don’t want to be the only person out of the loop on Monday morning, right?
10. It’s a great excuse for fizz on a Sunday
Maybe invite some friends over. Maybe dress up. Maybe whip up some tasty snacks. However you watch, do it with a glass or two of bubbly. And really, how often do you have a reason to crack open a bottle on a Sunday night?
Find out how to watch the Olivier Awards, here.