london calling The Oliviers is a stylish affair as only the Brits can do his past month I have attended some of the best parties and events; it seems that the UK really knows how to have fun! The most exciting of these however was The Olivier Awards held at the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden; due to my work in the theatre it was a natural and thrilling event to attend. Walking down the red carpet is a calm experience here in London, unlike LA and New York where there are screams and mania; here in the UK it is respectful and consequently delightful. ‘Everyone’ was attending - Dame Judi Dench floated by, along with Martin Freeman (The Hobbit). All who were in attendance were impeccably dressed and extraordinarily stylish, from turquoise blue velvet jackets to gold shoes… and that was just the men! I opted for a classic tuxedo and black bow tie. Before the ceremony began we all sipped champagne and talked about how good this last season of theatre had been. Sir Richard Eyre was congratulating his company from Ghosts on their numerous nominations. Tom Hiddleston talked with Hayley Atwell and Kristin Davis, and was darting about all over the place with much enthusiasm. Before long it was time for ‘The Show’ to begin, I took to my seat and was surrounded by the most incredibly talented pool of theatre makers, performers and producers. The atmosphere was electric! The beautiful Gemma Arterton and the hysterical Stephen Mangan hosted the ceremony and thankfully they moved it along at a clip, unlike other award ceremonies that seem to drag along forever… At intervals during the awards there were some incredible performances, from the cast of Les
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Mis and The Scarborough Boys, Matilda and Wicked, then at one point Bernadette Peters stepped on to the stage and regaled us with a song from Follies. I had seen her perform this exact piece a couple of years ago in New York when she was in this role. The UK audience
Judi Dench. ate it up! Possibly the most exciting performance for me was when ABBA came on to the stage and performed with the cast of Mama Mia in tribute of its fifteenth year birthday; it was a spectacular sight to see and dance along to…
“It was time for ‘The Show’ to begin, I took to my seat and was surrounded by the most incredibly talented pool of theatre makers, performers and producers. The atmosphere was electric!”
Rory Kinnear and Lesley Manville.