An acclaimed revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard” and a play about the travails of England’s national soccer team are leading the race for the prestigious Olivier Awards in London.
The revival of “Sunset Boulevard” has received 11 nominations, including best actress in a musical for Nicole Scherzinger and best actor for Tom Francis. The production, directed by Jamie Lloyd, is set to transfer to Broadway later this year.
James Graham’s play “Dear England” has garnered nine nominations, with Joseph Fiennes nominated for best actor for his portrayal of Gareth Southgate, the coach who has led England’s national soccer team to success.
Other notable acting nominees include Andrew Scott for “Vanya,” Sarah Snook for “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” Sarah Jessica Parker for “Plaza Suite,” and Sophie Okonedo for “Medea.”
In the musical category, Daniel Mays and Marisha Wallace are contenders for their performances in “Guys and Dolls,” which is also nominated for best musical revival.
The nominees for best new play include “Dear England,” “The Hills of California,” “The Motive and the Cue,” and “Till the Stars Come Down.”
For best new musical, the contenders are “The Little Big Things,” “Next to Normal,” “Operation Mincemeat,” and “A Strange Loop.”
The winners of the Oliviers, the U.K. equivalent of Broadway’s Tony Awards, will be announced on April 14 at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The ceremony will be hosted by Hannah Waddingham, known for her West End musical performances and her role in the TV series “Ted Lasso.”
The Olivier Awards, named after the late actor-director Laurence Olivier, were established in 1976. Winners are selected through voting by groups of stage professionals and theatergoers. Last year’s acting honorees included Paul Mescal and Jodie Comer.
