Giving one of his trademark hard stares to the competition, Paddington the Musical confirmed itself as the hottest theatre ticket in London right now with a triumphant seven wins at last night’s prestigious Olivier Awards, which were broadcast live on BBC2 for the first time (catch up with them on iPlayer if you are spoiler-phobic).
After last year’s rather indecisive ceremony (where no show got more than three gongs), Paddington scored a good old fashioned sweep, with its haul equalling that of previous musical record holders Hamilton, Sunset Boulevard, Cabaret and Matilda.
It has to be said that there wasn’t hugely strong competition for the title of best new musical, but as much as anything that’s because West End producers didn’t want to put a show up against a guaranteed smash like the charming and innovative Paddington. It bagged best new musical, best actor in a musical (James Hameed and Arti Shah, who split the role of the bear), best actor in a supporting role in a musical (Tom Edden), best actress in a supporting role in a musical (Victoria Hamilton-Barritt), best director (Luke Sheppard), best costume design and best set design.
It was always going to be Paddington’s night, and though a killjoy might quibble over the slight weirdness of male-female team Hameed and Shah taking home an explicitly male gong, they did deserve to win something, so fair enough.
Nothing else came close to Paddington’s haul, though a further five shows (Into the Woods, Evita, All My Sons, Punch and KENREX) bagged two wins apiece.
Let’s skip the analysis/my personal theories on whether the Oliviers have beef with Jamie Lloyd and highlight the winners you can see on the London stage right now, beyond Paddington itself.
The Bridge Theatre’s luxury revival of Sondheim’s Into the Woods had a walloping 11 nominations, and while it was inevitable that it was edged out by Paddington in many of the categories in which they were both competing, it still scored two wins (best musical revival and best lighting). Host Nick Mohammed – who was a bit bland, but wasn’t given time to actually say much – also divulged that the show will be transferring to the Noel Coward Theatre later this year. So that’s nice.
Rosamund Pike bagged best actress in a play for Inter Alia, which was perfect timing coming just a week after the acclaimed ethical thriller opened in the West End (and a Broadway run was announced). And transgressive Broadway comedy Oh, Mary! got a shot in the arm by bagging best new entertainment or comedy play.
Of the other big winners you’d imagine Jack Holden’s solo-ish true crime tour de force KENREX is the most likely to come back, possibly to the West End this time. But well done to all involved, whether we see them again or not.
Paddington the Musical is at the Savoy Theatre, booking to May 30 2027. Buy tickets here.
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