The 2025 Olivier Awards, held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London, celebrated the best of British theatre, and this year’s winners include some remarkable productions that have captivated audiences and critics alike.

Topping the list is the powerful play ‘Giant,’ which delves into the complexities of Roald Dahl’s controversial history, particularly his antisemitism. With acclaimed actor John Lithgow leading the cast, ‘Giant’ collected three prestigious awards: Best Actor for Lithgow, Best Supporting Actor for Elliot Levey, and the coveted Best New Play award.

The drama, written by Mark Rosenblatt and directed by Nicholas Hytner, makes a bold statement about the literary giant’s impact on culture and society. Critics had previously lauded its run at the Royal Court, making its transfer to the West End highly anticipated when it opens on April 26. Lithgow himself has expressed aspirations to bring the play to Broadway, hinting at its international potential.

Also stealing the spotlight was a revival of the beloved musical ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ This version, which ran at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, brought nostalgia and renewed energy to the classic story. It took home three awards, including Best Musical Revival, setting the stage for its upcoming transfer to the Barbican in May. The competition was stiff, with ‘Hello, Dolly!’ among the nominees, but ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ emerged victorious, proving its timeless appeal.

Another standout of the evening was ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’ a creative folk-rock adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s tale, which also secured three awards, including Best New Musical. It stars John Dagleish, who won Best Actor in a Musical for his compelling performance, a testament to the production's emotional depth and innovative style.

The night also recognized Eline Arbo with the Best Director award for ‘The Years,’ spotlighting the production’s intense themes and gripping storytelling. This particular play has drawn attention not just for its narrative but also due to the powerful moments within, such as a distressing scene that has reportedly caused audience members to faint.

In a night filled with celebration of artistic achievement, the Olivier Awards continue to highlight the vibrant talent within the UK’s theatre scene, setting a high bar for future productions and ensuring that stories both old and new resonate with audiences far and wide.