Jodie Comer and Paul Mescal have secured top gongs for their West End debut performances at the Olivier Awards, hosted by Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, as the biggest night in British theatre returned on Sunday.
The Killing Eve star won best actress for her role as Tessa in Prima Facie, a one-person production by Suzie Miller.
After receiving critical acclaim for her West End debut at the Harold Pinter Theatre, 30-year-old Jodie will be taking the play to Broadway later this month.
During her acceptance speech, Comer said: “I’m so overwhelmed. This play has changed my life. I am so grateful and I have so many people to thank.
“To Suzie Miller for writing the most exquisite play I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
“One thing I would like to say to any kids who haven’t been to drama school, who can’t afford to go to drama school, who have been rejected from drama school, don’t let anyone tell you that it isn’t possible.
“It might take the stars to align and you to be met with generous, kind, patient people, but it is possible.
“Mum, Dad, I love you, and my Grandad is 82 today so happy birthday.”
The award ceremony, held on Sunday at the Royal Albert Hall, also saw Oscar-nominated Mescal take home best actor for his role as Stanley Kowalski in the new stage adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire.
The Almeida Theatre production also picked up the prestigious award for best revival and Anjana Vasan won best actress in a supporting role for her turn as Stella in the play directed by Olivier winner Rebecca Frecknall.
Paul Mescal fought off tough competition from David Tennant for Good; Tom Hollander for Patriots; Rafe Spall for To Kill A Mockingbird; and Giles Terera for Blues For An Alabama Sky.
During his acceptance speech, 27-year-old Paul thanked his mother, who is receiving treatment for cancer, adding: “I hope you get better.”
The show culminated in a tribute to Special Award recipient Dame Arlene Phillips, with a performance from Grease The Musical – a production she famously choreographed.
A total of 16 of the 18 winners won their first Olivier on Sunday, organisers said.
The star-studded ceremony featured performances from all the best new musical nominees including Standing At The Sky’s Edge, Sylvia and Tammy Faye as well as from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and Sister Act.
Late entertainers including Paul O’Grady, Nicholas Lloyd Webber and Darius Danesh Campbell were remembered at The Olivier Awards 2023, along with Dame Angela Lansbury, Dame Hilary Mantel, Burt Bacharach, Bernard Cribbins and Kay Mellor.
The Olivier Awards 2023 will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX from 10.15pm to 12.20am.
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