Stars Shine Bright at the 2025 Olivier Awards: Manville, Lithgow, and Others Steal the Spotlight

It was an evening of standing ovations, heartfelt tributes, and theatrical brilliance as the 2025 Olivier Awards unfolded at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. The glittering ceremony, often dubbed the crown jewel of UK theatre, saw industry veterans and rising stars come together to celebrate a year of outstanding stage productions. Among the night’s most notable winners were Lesley Manville and John Lithgow, both of whom received top honors for their compelling lead performances.

Career Highlights and Emotional Moments

John Lithgow, the distinguished American actor, won Best Actor for his stirring performance as Roald Dahl in the stage production Giant. Lithgow, now 79, called the role one of the most enriching experiences of his career. This marks his first Olivier Award, a milestone that felt particularly special given his decades of acclaimed work. During his acceptance speech, Lithgow acknowledged the challenges and joys of being an American actor embraced by the British theatre community. “For Mary and me, and for all our fellow Americans, I want to say—our special bond remains strong,” he noted warmly, alluding to the historic cultural ties between the US and UK.

Lesley Manville, equally revered in British theatre, was named Best Actress for her searing portrayal in the Greek tragedy Oedipus. This is Manville’s second Olivier, the first having come in 2014 for her role in Ghosts. In her speech, she reflected on the profound impact of the show and praised her creative team, particularly director Robert Icke and co-star Mark Strong. Manville also shared a deeply personal note, dedicating the award to her grandson, who was born during the production’s run. “This trophy will one day be yours, my sweet,” she said, holding back tears.

A Night of Multiple Wins

Three productions emerged as the evening’s top winners: Giant, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button each secured three awards. Giant not only earned Lithgow his first Olivier, but also won Best New Play and saw Elliot Levey honoured as Best Supporting Actor. Levey’s acceptance speech struck a humorous tone as he quipped, “Getting an award for having this much fun should be illegal.”

Romola Garai, who was nominated in the Supporting Actress category for both Giant and The Years, took home the award for the latter. The Years, based on the memoir by Annie Ernaux, also won Best Director for Eline Arbo. Garai described participating in the production as “the greatest privilege of my life,” noting the emotional resonance the story carried for audiences and performers alike.

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Staunton and Dagleish Add to Their Legacies

Imelda Staunton continued her storied career by securing her fifth Olivier Award, winning Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal in Hello, Dolly!. Her acceptance speech was both touching and humorous as she paid tribute to her late mother, Bridie McNicholas, and looked ahead to an upcoming play she will perform alongside her daughter. “Mum, I’m here at the Albert Hall, I’ve got a prize—and I wish you were here,” she said.

Meanwhile, John Dagleish, known for his breakout role in Sunny Afternoon, returned to the spotlight with a win for Best Actor in a Musical. Dagleish played the titular role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a new adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story. The production was also named Best New Musical. Dedicating the award to his late mother, Dagleish reflected on the personal significance of the moment.

A Bit of Ice and a Lot of Heart

One of the night’s most delightful surprises came courtesy of Titanique, a comedic musical tribute to Celine Dion and the Titanic. The production snagged two awards, including Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play and Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Layton Williams. In a moment of pure theatre magic, Williams joked, “I just won an Olivier for playing an iceberg!” He closed his speech with an inspirational message: “If this can happen to a kid from humble beginnings, it can happen to anyone.”

Tyt Blue, the show’s co-director, recalled the musical’s unlikely origins in a Manhattan grocery store basement before finding a home in London’s Criterion Theatre. The journey from small stages to a prestigious award ceremony was a testament to the creativity and perseverance that define the theatre world.

Honoring Craft and Creativity

Beyond the marquee names, the Olivier Awards also recognized exceptional talent across technical and creative categories. Fiddler on the Roof was awarded Best Musical Revival, while its director Jordan Fein emphasized the show’s themes of “active, courageous love” as especially timely in today’s world. Additional honors went to Festen for Best New Opera Production and Assembly Hall for Best New Dance Production.

Maimuna Memon won Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her work in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, while Gabriella Slade received accolades for Costume Design on Starlight Express. Darren Clark and Mark Aspinall were recognized for their musical contributions to Benjamin Button, reinforcing the show’s status as a standout of the season.

A Celebration of Theatrical Excellence

The 2025 Olivier Awards, hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter, featured performances from Les Misérables, MJ The Musical, Starlight Express, and others, bringing the vibrancy of the West End directly to the audience. With a blend of gravitas, glamour, and good-humored gratitude, this year’s ceremony was a fitting tribute to the resilience and brilliance of live theatre.