OLIVIER AWARDS MOVE TO ROYAL OPERA HOUSE AND SCREENED LIVE IN COVENT GARDEN

Posted on | By London Theatre Direct

This year's Laurence Olivier Awards look set to be more prestigious than ever before with the organisers Society of London Theatre (SOLT) promising the biggest coverage ever.  This year the biggest night in theatre has been moved to the Royal Opera House to take place on 15th April 2012.  For the second year running, hosts will be Sweeney Todd stars Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton.

Apart from the venue seating more than 1,900, viewers around the world can watch from 5pm as the stars of theatreland arrive on the red carpet.  It will be screened by the BBC via their Red Button service, as well as on BBC Radio 2, but to get a real feel for the atmosphere go to Covent Garden Piazza and watch on the free big screen where you will be able to see the awards ceremony as well as other live performances from West End shows.  This special event will be hosted by Wicked star Louise Dearman and DJ Neil Fox.  You will also be able to watch the show live online where ever you are in the world.

Getting in on the action, will be an invited audience on Broadway, where the show will be screen live for stars on Broadway and industry figures.

Julian Bird, chief executive of SOLT and executive producer of the Awards, said in a statement: "This year’s 36th Olivier Awards with MasterCard will reflect a particularly star-studded year for London theatre, and the plethora of high calibre sell-out productions for which audiences have been queuing around the block. I am delighted we have been able to extend our celebrations to New York."

With the event moved to 15th April, this year the nominations will be announced on 15th March allowing productions up to 16th February to be eligable for awards this year.

Keep an eye on London Theatre Direct news for all the updates!

[posted by Louise, 24/01/2012]