Olivier Awards 2018: Hamilton dominates with seven trophies
Story by Jack Foley
HIT musical Hamilton has swept the board at this year’s Olivier Awards, picking up seven gongs including best new musical.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the West End sensation about founding father Alexander Hamilton, was jointly awarded the outstanding achievement in music prize with orchestrator Alex Lacamoire.
While further awards came for Giles Terera, as best actor in a musical for his portrayal of Hamilton’s nemesis Aaron Burr, and Michael Jibson, as best supporting musical actor for playing King George III.
The show also picked up some technical awards for best lighting design, best sound design and best theatre choreographer.
However, it failed to break the record for the most Olivier Awards, which was set by Harry Potter & The Cursed Child last year when it picked up nine.
Other notable awards at theatre’s most prestigious night included former Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston being honoured as best actor for his performance in Network.
While Laura Donnelly was named best actress for her performance as Caitlin in The Ferryman, Jez Butterworth’s play that also won two more awards: for best new play and best director for Sam Mendes.
The play, which unfolds in rural Derry in 1981 against the backdrop of The Troubles, was inspired by Butterworth’s partner, Laura Donnelly’s own family. It is now heading to Broadway.
Another of the night’s top acting prizes, for best supporting actress, went to Denise Gough was for Angels in America, which also won The National Theatre an award for best revival.
But although Gough was not there to collect her award, a statement read by actress Ophelia Lovibond highlighted the importance of the Time’s Up movement.
Bob Dylan-inspired musical Girl From The North Country was also honoured at the ceremony, with Shirley Henderson winning best actress in a musical and Sheila Atim winning best supporting role in a musical.
Bertie Carvel was named best actor in a supporting role for Ink, while its writer, James Graham, won best new comedy for another play, Labour of Love.
David Lan won the special award in recognition of his outstanding contribution for his artistic directorship of the Young Vic.
While The Royal Court’s production of Killology won outstanding achievement in affiliate theatre and Dick Whittington won the Olivier for best entertainment and family.
This year’s ceremony took place at the Royal Albert Hall, and was hosted by Catherine Tate.